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P rev' Ma; ^^..i U ^^ V
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HISTOID; "y
OF THE
iinieti-i^wiitl
1
Ofi
PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEER INFAIS
DURING THE
a» ot i8i« E«b«lli<
1861-65,
WITH BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF ITS FIELD AND ST.
AND A COMPLETE RECORD OF EACH OFFICI
AND ENLISTED MAN.
PREPARED AT THE REQUEST OP THE REQTMj
BY
%j$^^ fthtf M. M. S^f
MAJOR NINETY-SEVENTH PA. VOLS. AND BEEVET OOLONEL
ILLUSTRATED WITH STEEL PORTRAIT ENGRAVINGS AN!
PHILADELPHLi:
PUBLISHBD BT THE AUTHOB FOB TBE SUBBCBIBEBS
1875.
Checlcea
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Enterbd aocordino to Act of CoiraRKSS. iw thb Year 1875, bt
ISAIAH PRICE,
Im the Ovfiob of thb Librarian of Ootcgrkss, at Washington.
PRINTERS)
No. 23 Soolh Tenth Street,
Philadelphia.
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CONTENTS.
\
Pbefacb, 3. !
/
Introductobt Corbbbfondsncb, 6.
Ik Wab Timb, 8.
Dkdicatobt, 9.
Chaptbb I. — Organization of companies and company promotions, 11; Co. A, 13; Co.
B, 20; Co. C, 24; Co. D, 37; Co. E, 44; Co. P, 47; Co. G, 61; Co. H, 55; Co. I, j
62; Co. K, 65; Gass Fencibles Band, 69; Independent Company, 70. I
Chaptbb II. — Camp Wayne — progress in organization, 71 ; correspondence in regard to \
legislative action, 72; drill and duties in camp — interest of citizens, 77; official visit ^
of Gov. Curtin and staff, 78; flag presentation, 79; the Governor's speech, 80; reply
by Col. Guss and Adjt. Carruthers, 82; marching orders, 88; departure from i
Camp Wayne — ovation from citizens at West Chester, 84; Philadelphia — Cooper \
Shop and Union Refreshment Saloons — ^greetings at Chester and Wilmington, ]
I 85; Baltimore — ^Washington — Camp H. Jones Brooke, 86; new Springfield rifles — '
I return to Baltimore, 87; Fortress Monroe, Va., 88; Camp Hamilton, 89; drill and /
I picket duty, 90; firing by the enemy at SewelPs Point — a winter morning in camp,
91 ; the first discharges and the first death in the regiment, 92; October to December, ^
1861.
^ Chaptbb III. — Department of the South — marching orders, 98; voyage to Port Royal, t
8. C.-H3torm at sea, 94; Hilton Head— hospitality of 76th P. V., 95; assigned to [
* Gen. H. G. Wright's brigade, 96; advance at Port Royal Ferry, 97; detail for re- \
• cruiting service — expedition to Warsaw Sound, Ga., 98; Tybee Island and siege \
of Fort Pulaski, 99; death in the regiment, 101; operations on the coast of Florida — i
capture of Fort Clinch and occupation of Fernandina, 104; capture and occupation ;
fof Jacksonville, May port and St. Augustine, 105; defensive operations at Jackson- i
ville — night attack and capture of outposts by the enemy — their repulse and loss —
a rebel colonel and flag of truce, 106; reconnoissaixce by the 97th P. V. — Brig. .
Gen. T. W. Sherman relieved of command oi department by Maj. Gen. David
Hunter — evacuation of Jacksonville, 107; return to Fernandina and to Hilton Head, i
108; muster of officers by order of Gen. Hunter — Gen. Wright's brigade ordered
to Edisto — ^hospitality of 55th P. V. — inspection and review,. 109; resignations and
discharges — preparation for an advance, 110; December, 1861, to June, 1862.
Chaptbb IY. — Gen. Hunter's advance — troops cross to John's Island, 111; the march
to Live Oak Point — ^rebel cavalry scouts fire upon Co. B — the march through mud
and rain to Legareeville, 112; recruiting party rejoin regiment — reconnoissance by
97th P. V. and skirmish with the enemy — the wounded and prisoners captured —
thanks of Gen. Wright, 118; occupation of James Island — ^the detachment at Le-
gareeville, 114; position of forces on James Island — enemy intrenched at Seces-
sion ville and other points, 115; 97th P. V. on picket — enemy shell the lines — ^their
skirmishers fired upon — action at Grimball's Plantation, 116; the position and
forces engaged — Col. Guss in command — ^his coolness and judgment in arranging
the troops for action, 117; desperate attempts of the enemy to break the lines — their
repulse — the loss on both sides, 118; accounts of the action, 120; severity of picket
duty — a night attack, 121; the casualties, 123; action at Secessionville, 124; a
desperate assault and unsuccessful result — the 97th P. V. cover the retreat — con-
gratulations from the troops and thanks of Gen. Benham, 125; Col. Williams'
letter to Gov. Curtin— congratulatory order to the troops, 126; commissions and
promotions — recapitulation of duty— evacuation of James and Edisto Islands, 128;
June to July 16, 1862.
\
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IV CONTENTS.
CuAPTBB V. — Return to Hilton Head— encamp outside the stockade, 130; Col. Gass in
command of post^ther officers on post duty, 131; review of troops by Maj. Gen.
Hunter— picket duty on Broad River, 132; muster out of the band— sword pre-
sentation to Col. Guss, 133; Qen, Hunter relieved of command of department by
Brig. Gen. John M. Brannan, U. B. V. — second detail for recruiting service — Maj.
Gen. O. M. Mitchel assigned to command of department, 134; active operations
commenced — Gen. MitcheFs visit to the regiment, 185; camp at Spanish Wells,
136; Brig. Gen. A. H. Terry assigned to command of brigade, 137; congestive
and yellow fever — deaths in regiment— action at Pocotaligo, 189; death of Gen.
Mitchel — Gen. Brannan resumes command, 140; death and burial of Lieut. Morton,
141; removal to St. Helena Island, 148; Thanksgiving Day at Fort Pulaski, 144;
phristmas Day at St. Helena — ^regiment returns to Hilton Head — ^Maj. Gen. Hunter
again in command of department, 145; inspection and review of regiment — detail
on duty at Braddock's Point— arrival of additional troops, 146; remains of Lieut.
Gardner and Priv. McEinly, of Co. C, sent home for burial, 147; boat drill by
troops— detachment on duty at Paris Island, 148; a ballad of Paris Island, 149;
theatrical performances — ^rebel raid and capture at signal station, Spanish Wells,
150; night march of 97th P. V., 151; July, 1862, to April, 1863.
Chapter VI. — Second expedition against Charleston — Col. Guss assigned to command
of brigade, 152; Folly Island, Hilton Head and Edisto, 153; regiment transferred to
Gen. Stevenson's brigade at Seabrook — Col. Guss in command of troops at Botany
Bay Island, 154; enemy attack pickets at Seabrook, 157; reoccupation of James
Island, 158; operations on Folly Island, 159; assault and capture of the enemy *8
works on Morris Island, 161; Gen. Terry ^s operations on James Island, 162; action
at Stevens' Landing, 163; evacuation of James Island, 164; Morris Island — ^first
^assault on Fort Wagner, 166; preliminary siege operations, 167; second assault
on Fort Wagner, 168; repulse— gathering up the wounded, 174; statement of
casualties, 176; the hospitals and Miss Clara Barton, 177; further siege operations,
178; batteries erected, 180; flag of truce — exchange of prisoners, 182; arrival
of reinforcements — Col. Guss in command of 1st brigade, 1st division, 10th corps,
183; attack of enemy upon picket boats in Light House Creek, in charge of Capt.
Paine, 100th N. Y., and Lieut H. Odiorne, Co. D, 97th P. V.— Privs. Eyre and
Russell killed, and Sapp wounded, 184; Swamp Angel Battery, 185; bombardment
of Fort Sumter, 187; effect of bombardment, 188; Gen. Gillmore demands the
surrender of Forts Wagner and Sumter to avoid a bombardment of Charleston,
189; the Swamp Angel opens on the city — the effect described by a Charleston
paper, 189; enemy charge upon the sappers and miners and are repulsed — men of
the 97th P. V. wounded, 190; 97th P. V. advance and engage the enemy's pickets —
charge of 24th Mass. upon the enemy, at the sand ridge, supported by the 97th
P. v.— capture of the enemy's line and entire force in the trenches — ^the fiflh and
last parallel — torpedoes and narrow escape of Capt. Walker, 1st N. Y. Engs., 191;
continued bombardment of Fort Sumter and its effect, 192; incidents of the siege,
194; arrangements for a final assault, 198; Forts Wagner and Gregg occupied, 199;
complimentary order of Gen. Gillmore to the troops, 204; review of the forces at
Morris Island, 205; recapitulation of duty, 206; April 1 to October 1, 1868.
CHAPrBR VII.— Departure from Morris Island, 209; Fernandina, Fla., 210; details for
post duty, 212; hospitality of naval officers at post, 216; conscripts assigned to
regiment, 218; visitors and social interest — inland excursions, 221; Thanksgiving
Day observances, 222; salute in honor of Grant^s victories, 223; desertion of sub-
stitutes and arrests, 224; Christmas festivities, 225; visit of Gen. Gillmore, 228; exe-
cution of deserters, 230; capture of Camp Cooper, 232; expedition to Woodstock
and King's Ferry Mills, 234; re-enlistment of veterans, 240; return of Col. Guss
and other officers with veterans on furlough, 241; Maj. Pennypacker in command
of post — resignation of Lieut. Col. Duer — promotion of field officers, 242; pro
motion of line officers, 243; regiment relieved from duty at Fernandina, 244; de-
parture for Port Royal, 245; October 1, 1868, to April 25, 1864.
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CONTENTS. V
Chaptbb VIIL— Embark at Port Royal on steam transport North Star, for Fortress
Monroe, Va., 246; whisky and insubordination — a thrilling incident, 247; Gloucester
Point, Va., and Yorktown, Va. — organization of the Army of the James, 248;
grand review of troops by Maj. Qen. B. F. Butler — departure of the expedition
from Yorktown, Va., for James Riyer, 249; incidents — site of Jamestown, 250;
captare of City Point, Va. — ^advance through Bermuda Hundred, Va., 251; con-
tinued advance— encounter with enemy at Port Walthall Junction, 253; defensive
line established from the James to the Appomattox, 254; advance upon Richmond
and Petersburg Railroad at Chester Heights— the 97th P. V. destroy the road and
telegraph — action at Swift Creek, 255; forced march to support Gen. Terry's ad-
vance, 257; return of veterans, 259; Proctor's Creek, Drury's Bluff and Fort
Darling, 263; advance and action on Wier Bottom Church Road, 267; action at
Poster's Place, Va., 270; April 25, 1864, to May 20, 1864.
Cbapter IX— Action at Green Plains, Va., 273; gallant charge of the 97th P. V. upon
Gen. Pickett's division — fearful loss — Lieut. Col. Pennypacker wounded, 278; the
killed and wounded, 280; endeavor to cast blame upon the gallant commander of
the 97th P. V. — a correction, 282; Beauregard's assault upon Gen. Butler's centre
repulsed by Gillmore's 10th corps, 284; troops diepatched to join Gen. Grant's
Army, 285; White Hoase, Va. — 1st Pennsylvania Reserves, 286; action at Cold
Harbor, Va., 287; return to City Point — advance against Petersburg, 289; action
at Petersburg Heights, 291; capture of the enemy's strong lines — the advance
checked by the arrival of Lee's veteran forces, 292; siege operations, 293; 2d
division returns to Bermuda Hundred, 295; resignation of Col. H. R. Guss, 296;
correspondence and testimonial, 297; farewell letter of Col. Guss, 298; May 20 to
June 23, 1864.
CoAPTKR X. — Qen, Gillmore relinquishes command of the 10th corps — ^2d division, 10th
corps, again detached — return to Petersburg front, 299 ; severity of service in the
trenches, 800; action at Cemetery Hill, Va., 801; casualties, 802; details for spe-
cial duty, 808; visitors from West Chester, 804; Maj. Gen. D. B. Birney as-
signed to command of 10th corps — 97th P. V. transferred to 2d brigade, 2d division'
805 ; Rev. D. W. Moore appointed chaplain — ^baptism of fire, 806 ; action at Peters-
burg Mine, 807; casualties in 97th P. V., 311 ; 2d division rejoin 10th corps at
Bermuda Hundred, Va. — terrific explosion, 312 ; Lieut. Col. Pennypaeker promoted
to colonel — his return to the regiment — operations north of the James, 313;
actions at Deep Bottom and Strawberry Plains, Va., 315; death of Adj. Carru-
thers, 316 ; other casualties, 317 ; flag of the 97th P. V. — encampment at Deep
Run, 818 ; complimentary order of Maj. Gen. D. B. Birney — muster out of men
of Company A, 819 ; action at Wier Bottom Church — return to Petersburg front —
Col. Pennypacker assigned to command of brigade, 820; second flag received —
muster out of men of Companies C and D, 322; actions at Fort Harrison, New
Market Heights and Fort Gilmer, 328; repulse of the enemy by the 10th corps at
Charles City Road, 825; death of Maj. Gen. D. B. birney— Gen. Terry appointed
to command of 10th corps, 327 ; congratulatory order of Gen. Butler, 329 ; action
at Darby Town, Va. — death of Capt. Hawkins, 331 ; muster out of officers and men
at expiration of term, 838 ; promotions — preparation of winter quarters at Chapin's
Farm, 885 ; farewell letter of Chaplain Moore, 886 ; reorganization of the Army of
the James, 887 ; June 23 to December 2, 1864.
CffAPTBB XL — Department of North Carolina — Gen. Butler's expedition to Fort Fisher,
388; movements of land forces and naval fleet — storm, 340; bombardment and
landing of Butler's forces — reconnoissance by Gen. Weiteel — his adverse report —
Cten. Curtis' advance and capture of the enemy's outlines, 841 ; Curtis' preparation
to storm Fort Fisher — orders to withdraw the forces — an unsolved problem — return
to Chapin's Farm, 842 ; comments in regard to the failure of the expedition —
Grant's letter of instruction, 343; Gen. Butler relieved of the command of the de-
partment— Gen. Ord appointed — Butler's farewell to his troops, 344; second ex-
pedition under Gen. Terry — Gen. Grant's letter of instructions, 845; arrival of Gen.
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VI CONTENTS.
Terry's forces at Federal Point — successful landing of the troops — Gen. Terry's
official report of the operations at Fort Fisher, 847 ; Gen. Ames' report to Gen.
Terry, 850; table of casualties — Pennsylvania troops in action at Fort Fisher, 851;
Admiral Porter's report to the Secretary of the Navy, 852; thanks of the nation
tendered by the Secretary of War, 853; the casualties at Fort Fisher, 355; brevet
promotions by the War Department, 857; the advance upon Fort Anderson and
Wilmington, 859; occupation of Wilmington, 861; relief of starving and dying
Union prisoners, 868; advance toward Goldsboro' — Hoke repulsed, 865; opera-
tions by Gen. Terry's command — thanks of Gen. Sherman in field orders — 97th
P. y. as escort to Gen. Kilpatrick's wagon train, 866; news of Lee's surrender,
367; Johnson's surrender to Sherman — occupation of Raleigh, N. C, 868; Col.
Pennypacker promoted to brigadier general, U. S. V. — ^his letter of farewell to his
regiment, 869; subsequent promotions, 870; occupation of Gaston and Weldon,
N. C, 871; muster out at Weldon, N. C— returjj to Philadelphia, 872; the final
disbanding— roster of field, staff" and company officers, 878; official record of en-
gagements, 875; additional record and recapitulation, 876; December 2, 1864, to
September 4, 1865.
Chapter XII. — Recruiting Service — ^first detail at Fortress Monroe, Va., December 8,
1861, 1st Lieut. Taylor and detachment, 877; detail rejoin the regiment at War-
saw Sound, Ga., 878; second detail at Hilton Head, January 2, 1862, Capt. Price
and detachment, 879; stationed at West Chester, Chester and Oxford — ^irksomeness
of this service — efforts to return — ^the detachment relieved and ordered to Harrib-
burg, thence to New York— embark for Port Royal — shipwreck off" Cape Hatt^ras,
880; difficulty of landing — encampment on shore, 881; a serious accident and a
lively incident, 882; arrival of the George Peabody and Qr.-Mr. Ellis — a hasty
embarking — arrival at Hatteras Inlet — a week's delay — an unseaworthy craft — re-
turn to New York — further delay — re-embark for Port Royal, 388; arrival at Port
Royal — more delay — the deserted camp at Edisto — Stono River and arrival at
Legareeville — rejoin the regiment — list of recruits — ^report for duty, 884; Capts.
Guss and Wayne with men of each company detailed at Hilton Head, S. C. —
an account of service — list of recruits — resignation of Capt. Wayne, 885; Capts.
Lewis and Hoopes ordered to drafl rendezvous for men for regiment, 886;
voyage of the Arago — exciting chase — capture of a blockade runner, 887; report
at Philadelphia — Capt Lewis and part of detail return with detachment of men,
888; Capt. Hoopes and remainder return with second detachment — Maj. Price
ordered to rendezvous for drafted men in Pennsylvania, 889; men assigned to
regiment, 390.
Chapter XIII.— Biographical sketches of field and staff officers, 891; Brevet Brig. Gen.
Henry R. Guss, U. 8. V.» 892; Brevet Maj. Gen. G. Pennypacker, U. S. Army, 399;
Lieut. Col. A. P. Duer, 432; Brevet Col. Isaiah Price, 484; Capt. Harry W. Carru-
thers. 487; Surgeon John R. Everhart, 443; Capt. George W. Hawkins, Co. I, 446;
Col. John Wainwright, 451; Lieut. Col. William H. Martin, 454; Chaplain Wil-
liam M. Whitehead, 456.
Chapteb XIV. — Roster and record of service — afield officers, 457; staff officers, 460; non-
commissioned staff, 461; Guss Fencibles Band, 462; Co. A, Guss Fencibles, 464;
Co. B, Chester County Grays, 475; Co. C, Paoli Guards, 485; Co. D, Concord-
ville Rifles, 496; Co. E, Mulligan Guards, 508; Co. F, National Guards, 517; Co.
G, Broomall Guards, 527; Co. H, Greble Guards, 537; Co. I, Brooke Guards, 547;
Co. K, Wayne Guards, 555.
Chapter XV. — Recapitulation from roster and record, 565; tabular statement of mor-
tality and casualties, 566; recapitulation from tabular statement, 585; In Memo-
riam, Fallen Patriots Requiem, 586.
Chapter XVI. — Return of the Battle Flags at Independence Hall, Philadelphia, July 4,
1866. 587.
Chapter XVII. — Proceedings in regard to a monument, 689.
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ILLUSTRATIONS. Til
ILLUSTRATIONS.
No. Pa^e.
1. ' Portrait of Henry R Guss, Brevet Major General, U. 8. Vols.. . Frontispiece.
2. The Cooper Siiop Volunteer Refresiinient Saloon and Hospital, ... 84
8. The Union Volunteer Refreshment Saloon, 85
4. Fortress Monroe in 1861, 88
5. The Burning of Hampton, 89
6. Rains of St. John's Church, 89
7. Battle of the Monitor and Merrimac, 91
8. Plan of the Battle at Port Royal Harbor, 92
9. Fort Walker, . 94
10. Fort Beauregard, 94
11. Stone Fleet Blocrkade, 95
12. Pope's House at Hilton Head, 96
18. Map of Port Royal, S. C, 97
14. 3Iartel]o Tower, Tybee Island , . . . . 99
15. Breach in Fort Pulaski, 100
Id Obstructions in Savannah River, 108
17. Fort Clinch, 104
18. The Planter, , . Ill
19. Pickets on Duty, 121
20. House at Mitchelville, 130
21. Drayton's Mansion, .132
22. Head-Quartcrs of Hunter and Mitchcl, 184
8a Live Oak Grove at Port Royal, 137
24.^ Portrait of Sketchley Morton, Jr., First Lieutenant Com|)any I, 97th P. V., 141
25. Fort Pulaski, 144
26. Siege of Charleston, 160
27. Beacon House, 167
28. New Ironsides and Monitors, 168
29. Fort Wagner at Point of Assault, 172
30. Bomb and Splinter Proof, 180
31. Army Signal Telegraph, 181
S2. The Swamp Angel Battery, 186
83. Fort Sumter after the Bombardment, 103
84. A Respectful Shell, 194
85. Fort Wagner, Sea Front, 199
36. Interior of Fort Sumter, 205
37. A Florida Swamp and Jungle, 221
38. Battery and Church Tower, Site of Jamestown, 250
39. Line of Defence at Bermuda Hundred, 252
40. Butler's Head -Quarters, near Dutch Gap 253
41. Jeff Davis' Ncckiie, 255
42. Fort Darling, . 263
43. Rifle Pits at Green Plains, Va., 274
44. Position of Gen. Smith's Command at Cold Harbor, Va., . 287
45. Gen. Smith's Head-Quarters, Cold Harbor, 289
46. Defences of Richmond and Petersburg, 290
47. Dr. Friend's House, 292
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VIII ILLUSTRATIONS.
No, Pace.
48. Gen. Grant's Head-Quarters at City Point 293
49. Bullet Proof in the Wood, 800
50. Interior of Fort Steadman, ^ .... 301
51. Earthworks and Abattis, 303
52. Outline of the Crater and Ma^zines, 307
53. Battery near Dutch Gap, 313
54. Pontoon Bridge at Jones' Landing, near Deep Bottom, 314
55. Battle Field of Malvern Hill, Va., 315
56. Chesapeake Hospital, ' 816
57. Chapin's Bluff, from Fort Darling, 323
58. ' Portrait of George W. Hawkins, Captain Company I, 97th P. V., . . 331
59. Offieers' Quarters, Chapin's Farm, 334
60. Army Huts at Chapin's Farm, 835
61. Land and Sea Front of Fort Fisher, 340
62. Plan of Land and Naval Operations at Fort Fisher 846
68. Mound Battery, near Fort Fisher 352
64. Interior of Fort Fisher, 354
65. M'Lean'a House, the Place of Lee's Surrender, 367
66. Place of Johnson^s Surrender to Sherman, ,...,., 868
67. ' Portrait of G, Penny packer. Brevet Major General, U. S. Army, . , . 899
68. -* Portrait of Isaiah Price, Brevet Colonel, U. S. Vols 484
69. ^Portrait of H. W. Carruthers, Adjutant 97th P. V., A A. A. Gen, Ist Brig.,
Ist Div,, 10th Corps, Captain Company C, 437
70. "Portrait of J. R. Everhart, Surgeon 97th P. V., 448
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PREFACE.
|^S|HE purpose of preparing a history of the Ninety-seventh
Hi Hi I^g^^^t was first presented, as a matter of duty, to the
^bH[ author of the present work, at the close of his term of
service.
Some notes and records had been preserved, and all of his letters
home were found to have been carefully filed by his family. These
afforded such data as enabled him, in fulfilment of a resolution of
request, to prepare for Prof. S. P. Bates' State History a sketch of
the services of the Regiment in the field, together with brief bio-
graphical notices of some of its officers.
It was at that time expected that a history of the Regiment, in
course of preparation, would be early completed and published,
which would render unnecessary the compilation of another. This
expectation not being realized, the desire of many members of the
Regiment to have the history of its services prepared for publica-
tion found expression in the following resolutions, adopted at one
of the meetings in regard to the proposed monument, held at West
Chester, Pa., February 22, 1873, over fifty members being present.
On motion of Major General G. Pennypacker, " Resolved, That the
thanks of the officers and soldiers of the 97th Reg. P. V. are due,
and are hereby tendered to its Major — and for a long time com-
manding officer — Brevet Colonel Isaiah Price, for the preparation
of the sketch of the services of the Regiment published in the
State History. The labors of Colonel Price to perpetuate in every
way, in history, the gallant deeds of the old regiment more than
merit the appreciation and thanks of its surviving members." On
motion of Chaplain Moore, " Resolved, That Colonel Price be re-
quested to undertake the preparation of a history of the services of
the Ninety-seventh Regiment for publication from his manuscript
sketch, and that the records of the Regiment be placed at his dis-
posal for the purpose."
The duty thus authoritatively presented anew was undertaken
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4 PREFACE.
with many misgivings, fearing lest the very favorable expression in
regard to the sketch referred to should elevate expectation beyond
any reasonable hope of realization in the more extended work,
which would demand a larger ability and the most earnest effort
to fulfil.
The pages of the present work have been chiefly prepared during
the interrupted intervals of professional duties, reaching nearly
to completion by the end of October, 1873. The ascertainment of
many dates, and other items of interest from official records and
other sources, has required longer time and much patient research,
which have delayed the publication beyond the time it was at first
supposed would be required for its completion.
To General James W. Latta, Adjutant General of Pennsylvania,
whose courtesy and kindness afforded every facility desired from the
records in his office, the author is greatly indebted, especially for
the verification of the record rolls of the Regiment by the clerical
aid in his office, which has enabled him to present a complete and
most accurate record of each man upon the rolls.
To Private John L. Kitts, of Company C, he is mainly indebted
for the unrestricted use of his private diary, from which were ob-
tained many dates of various movements, events, etc., and the
record of many occurrences that would otherwise have been lost
from remembrance. These were carefully preserved by him in the
diary regularly kept during almost the entire period of his enlist-
ment. This being kindly entrusted for the purpose, without re-
serve, proved invaluable in making up the record. To Colonel H.
R. Guss, for official papers, records, etc. To Captains Francis M.
Guss, Co. A; W. S. MendenhaU, Co. D; D. W. C. Lewis, Co. F,
(since Brevet Lieutenant Colonel); Charles Mcllvaine, Co. H;
Dallas Crow, Co. B, and W. S. Underwood, Co. K, he is also
indebted for company records and accounts of the organization of
their respective companies; to the latter also for some account of
the movements of the Regiment from January 1 to August 28, 1865.
To Colonel John Wainwright, for the use of retained copies of the
muster-out-roUs of the Regiment, from which many of the records
were obtained, and for some account of the campaign from October,
1864, to August, 1865, while the Regiment was under his com-
mand. To Brevet Major D. Jones, Regimental Quarter-Master, for
some records, papers, etc., and for a description of the proposed
monument. Also to Musician E. R. Eisenbeis, of Company A, for
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PREFACE.
copies of the regimental records prepared by him while i
clerk and clerk of Company A, and for a manuscri'pt
Colonel H. R. Guss, from which the one herein publish
vised and enlarged.
Some items of much interest were furnished by Cap
Johnson, of the steamer Boston, a citizen of Chelsea, Mi
kindness and interest for the Regiment will be remembe
who learned to regard him as a personal friend. The
was frequently embarked upon his boat in trmnsitu froi
places in the Department of the South. To Samuel '
packer, Esq., of the Philadelphia Bar, author of "P
and its Vicinity," the author is also indebted for ite;
Pennypacker genealogy given in the sketch of Majc
Pennypacker. Also to J. Hill Martin, Esq., author of '^
Chester, Delaware County, Pennsylvania," for brief s
Lieutenant Colonel A. P. Duer and Lieutenant Sketch
Jr., of Co. I, to all of whom the author would here c
sincere thanks.
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INTRODUCTORY CORRESPONDENCE.
No. 1720 Green Street, Philadelphia, October 29, 1873.
To Major General G. Pennypacker, U. S. A.
My Dear Friend:
FTER many delays, the manuscript history of the Ninety-
seventh Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers is now nearly
ready for the press.
In consenting to undertake the work of its prepara-
tion, I felt the very embarrassing position in which it would
place me, having to write of much that transpired while the Regi-
ment was under my own command. To present the record of the
Regiment under such circumstances, without incurring the criticism
of egotism, would be difficult even for one more fully qualified to
give the simple narrative of those services in which he had
participated in the most obscure position. I have, therefore, not
hoped to wholly escape such comment from the captious and the
critical.
Yet now — ^when the result of the efforts of the past eight
months to reclaim from oblivion the history of the eventful period
of service, participated in by our gallant Regiment during the war,
is contained in the sheets before me — with a feeling of distrust, and
shrinking from the perils and penalties of authorship, I naturally
turn to you, my Commanding Officer^ always generous and con-
siderate toward every earnest effort in the performance of duty — ^and
the friend and companion in arms, long tried and sincere, asking
that your support and sympathy may attend this venture toward
answering the desire of our surviving comrades, to have the record
of our dear old Regiment perpetuated. I know they will not be
withheld, and am, therefore, already inspired with the hope that,
with your approval, it will be the more leniently regarded and
accepted with greater interest.
Ever faithfully, your friend,
I. Price
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INTRODUCTORY CORRESPONDENCI
Head-Quarters Sixteenth Infantry, TJ.
Nashville, Tenn., November 1, 18
To Col. Isaiah Price, Philadelphia, Pa.
My Very Good Friend:
EG you know that I have no words with which t<
you for the kind expressions contained in your
the 29th of October]
The great trouble about your book will be — ^i
you have shown any egotism — you will not do yourself tb
Tou should, for you commanded our good old Regiment
the trying and stormy period of its existence. It wou
strange in me, perhaps, to commend you; but it seems to m
never had a stauncher friend, and never could have had ui
command a better soldier, than yourself.
Of course, I will do everything that lies in my power 1
the circulation of your book (the publication of which is \
more of an object with us than with you), and you have
indicate to me any way in which I can be of service.
The only fear I have of the book, knowing your diffident
such circumstances, is, that it will be incomplete in its nar
many events which did great credit to the Regiment, bu
occurred while you were the commanding officer, and entitle
honor due to one holding your rank and position.
With many kind regards and best wishes, I am, as ever l
Faithfully, your friend,
G. PENNYPi
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IN WAR TIME.
LOR ISC ANUS queries: "Why should we
Vex at the land's ridiculous miserie?"
So on his Usk banks, in blood-red dawn
Of England's civil strife, did careless Vaughan
Bemock his times. O friends of many years !
Though faith and trust are stronger than our fears,
And the signs promise peace with liberty,
Not thus we trifle with our country's tears
And sweat of agony. The future's gain
Is certain as God's truth; but, meanwhile, pain
Is bitter and tears are salt: our voices take
A sober tone; our very household songs
Are heavy with a nation's griefs and wrongs ;
And innocent mirth is chastened for the sake
Of the brave hearts that nevermore shall beat.
The eyes that smile no more, the unretuming feet !
WHITTIER.
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DEDICATORY.
|OT for the purpose of fostering in the minds of th
of our country an undue love for glory in
achievements is this history written. But rathe
while enjoying the blessings of peace, secured un
through the services and sacrifices of those times when oth(
cated their lives to the Vork of preserving the integrity
of the nation in its hour of peril — future generations maj
*unreminded of the nature of those services, of what \s
sacrifices and cost of our country's liberty, permanence an<
demanding of them a jealous and perpetual guardianship.
This end is the aim of this record, now reverently dedi<
the memory of our fallen comrades, who not only endured
Tations of the march, the camp and the field of battle, I
their lives also that their country might live.
They returned not with us, to meet the glad welcome i
tient loving hearts, that had long kept silent watch, throu^
around the lone home hearths, during all the dark weary
"the war time," ever prayerftil and hopeful of the endi
should bring back to them husband, father, son, brother, lo^
But for them, instead of such welcome, were fountains
welling from agonized hearts, and the sad duty of keepiD
their grass-grown graves, and, in the season of their bloom, g
by flowers gathered from gardens of lonely vacant homes, i
brought by tender hearts. The beauty and perfume of flo\i
spread with trembling hands above the resting place of tl
secrated dead, in sweet and simple tribute, are worthy a
brave and the sorrowing, who gave their all.
Let not the memory of these countless sacrifices eve
literated, nor let them have been made in vain !
The deeds of the heroic dead, in such cause, need no
The simple record, "They followed where duty called,'
sufficient to preserve their memory ever green.
I.
July 4, 1873.
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CHAPTER I.
Organization op Cojipanies fob the Ninety-Seventh Re
Pennsylvania Volunteers, August and September, 18
HE grand response of a loyal people, in sup
I national defence against rebellion, in 1861,
. event unparalleled in the history of nation
collect, organize and array the vast numbers
disciplined troops, that were requisite to rm
forces in rebellion, and having possession of
the entire military and naval resources of th(
try, was a work of unprecedented magnitude,
upon the administration of Abraham LinC(
the defection in that of his predecessor, James Buchanan.
The record of those remarkable efforts and events, and i
salts of the subsequent memorable conflict, have become a ]
the nation's history.
The heroic, self-sacrificing men, who, through four years
vation, peril and war, dedicated their lives to the preserve
national integrity, wrought also for its progress in the direc
its founders' intent toward the realization of true perma
prosperity and peace, as a priceless legacy, painfully and per
secured for every citizen.
Each of the grand armies organized has its history and its
roll of honored names identified with its achievements, it
and its success. Each corps, division and brigade has i
perishable scroll, perpetuating the deeds of valor that b
badges and its banners through the fire of many battles uni
liant victories, and the final triumph of liberty, union and pe
On the pages of these histories each participant may tn
lecord of his own efforts through the campaigns in which hh
took part. With eager , interest, he follows the record
division and brigade, feeling a just pride in seeing its
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12 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
enumeratecL Kindling anew the old enthusiasm and ardor that
was the sustaining influence, enabling brave men to encounter the
perils and surmount the obstacles that barred the way to victory and
success. A natural desire to further trace the individual expe-
riences of the men who so faithfiilly served their country, in its
time of need, has prompted the compilation of the " Record of the
Regiment." Many of these have been completed with considerable
accuracy, and have become invaluable in interest to those whose
record has been thus more perfectly and enduringly perpetuated.
The desire to have such a history of the services of the Ninety-
seventh Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers published, having long
bordered upon expectancy, now reaches a late fulfilment.
The first influence toward the organization of this Regiment
originated with the Hon. H. Jones Brooke, late a State Senator for
Chester and Delaware counties. Being present at the office of the
Secretary of War, when authority to recruit a regiment for the
three years' service was being granted, upon an application from
his State, it occurred to him to make a similar application for the
organization of a regiment from his own Congressional District,
the 7th Pennsylvania, when he received the assurance that such
authority would be granted to any one he might designate as a
proper officer to organize a regiment. He at once communicated
the suggestion to Capt. Henry R. Guss, whom he knew as an
active and efficient officer, who had entered the three months'
service with a large number of men, and was, at that time, about
to be, mustered out of service^ at Harrisburg, at the expiration
of that term of service. The proposition being favorably considered
by Capt. Guss, Senator Brooks forwarded the proposal — to organize
a regiment under the command of Col. Henry R. Guss, of West
Chester, Pa., to be recruited in the 7th Congressional District — to
the Hon. Simon Cameron, Secretary of War.
Within a few days, the following letter of acceptance was re-
ceived by Col. Guss:
War Department, Washington, D. C, July 25, 1861.
Col. Henry R. Guss, West Chester, Pa.
Sir: The regiment of infantry which you offer is accepted for
three years, provided you have it ready for marching orders in
twenty-one days.
This acceptance is with the distinct understanding that this
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ORGANIZATION OF THE COMPANIES. 13
Department will revoke the commissions of all officers who may be
found incompetent for the proper discharge of their duties.
You will promptly advise Adjutant General Thomas, at Wash-
ington, the date at which your men will be ready for mustering,
and he will detail an officer for that purpose.
By order of the Secretary of War:
[Signed] James Lesley, Jr.,
Chief Clerk, War Department.
Capt. Henry R. Guss had commanded Company A, of the 9th
P. v., during its term of service (three months) with Major General
Robert Patterson's command, in Maryland, Virginia, and adjacent
counties in Pennsylvania. The command had been mustered out of
service at Harrisburg, Pa., July 29, 1861.
In pursuance of the authority received from Secretary Cameron.
Col. Guss set about the purpose of recruiting and organizing his
regiment immediately after his return to his home at West Chester.
Inviting the co-operation of some who had served under his com-
mand in the three months' campaign, and of others whose ability to
aid his purpose being recognized through his usual careful and cor-
rect observation and estimate of men. these were duly authorized to
commence the enrollment of recruits and the organization of com-
panies.
Many of the men who were first enrolled had served in the three
months' campaign, and some were men who had the experience of
drill and discipline as members of military or militia companies
previous to the war. The larger number, however, were without
former military experience, young men who enlisted from a sense of
duty to their government in its impending danger; earnest, con-
scientious young men of most excellent character and promise, the
sons of the most worthy citizens in their native counties.
Company Organization, with Record of Promotions. Company
A, Guss Fencibles.
Recruiting for the first company was commenced on the 2d of
August, 1861, by Capt. Galusha Penny packer, of West Chester,
Pa., who had served during the three months' term in Capt. Guss'
company in the 9th Regiment P. V., of which he was appointed a
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14 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
sergeant, and, being promoted to a position on the non-commis-
sioned staff of the Regiment, had served during most of the time
as acting regimental quarter-master.
The authority to recruit a company for the new regiment was
given by Col. Guss, verbally, while on the train returning from
Harrisburg, after the muster out of the 9th Regiment, and was ac-
cepted by Capt. Pennypacker at once, who made his purpose
known to some of the young men of his regiment before separating
for their homes. A number of them soon after joined his company,
ii\^ West Chester, where recruits began to collect rapidly; by the
17th of August, the number had reached sixty-three. On that day,
they went into camp in a beautiful grove known as Everhart's
Woods, the location being tendered the company by its owner,
Hon. William Everhart, a former member of Congress from the
district, father of Dr. John R. Everhart, who became surgeon of
the 97th Regiment. The camp was named Camp Everhart, in
compliment to its owner, who had provided such a pleasant spot,
cool and shaded from the August heat.
The company occupied the southeast comer of the grove, ad-
joining Barnard Street. The men were furnished with tents for
temporary use by the old National Guards, of West Chester, which
were used until the company was organized and mustered. The
name adopted by the company was the Guss Fencibles, in honor of
their late commander in the National Guards, and Company A, 9th
Regiment, Col. Henry R. Guss.
The first muster for the company was made by Capt. John H.
McArthur, 2d TJ. S. Cavalry, assistant mustering officer for the
eastern division of Pennsylvania, who, on the 22d of August, 1861,
mustered Capt. Galusha Pennypacker as captain of Company A ;
Louis Y. Evans, of West Chester, who had served as sergeant in
Company A, 9th Regiment P. V., during the three months* term,
was then mustered as 1st lieutenant; William Peace, of Coatesville,
as 2d lieutenant ; and eighty-eight enlisted men were mustered as
privates, an aggregate of ninety-one men. On the 30th of August,
ten additional men were mustered, making the requisite number one
hundred and one, officers and men, for the company. The following
non-commissioned officers were appointed: 1st sergeant, Thomas E.
Weber, of West Chester, Pa.; 2d sergeant, Abel Griffith, of West
Chester, Pa.; 3d sergeant, Thomas McKay, of West Chester, Pa.;
4th sergeant, Isaac J. Burton, Coatesville, Chester Co., Pa.; 6th
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ORGANIZATION OF COMPANY A. 16
sergeant, John Brubaker, Pennington ville, Chester Co., Pa. Sergt.
McKay being designated by Col. Guss for the position of com-
missary sei^eant of Regiment, he was appointed to that position,
October 29, 1861. There was no promotion to 5th sergeant until
April 28, 1862.. Ist cotporal, Jervis J. Rudolph, of Coatesville,
Chester Co., Pa.; 2d corporal, William L. Morris, of Oak Hill, Lan-
caster Co., Pa.; 3d corporal, William H. Martin, of Christiana,
Lancaster Co., Pa.; 4th corporal, George Ell am, of Coatesville,
Chester Co., Pa.; 5th corporal, Benjamin F. Stackhouse, of Concord-
yiile, Delaware Co., Pa.; 6th corporal, Harry L. Pyott, of Willis-
town, Chester Co., Pa.; 7th corporal, Reese Elmer Welch, of Honey-
brook, Chester Co., Pa.; 8th corporal, Jacob Daubman, of Philadel-
phia, Pa.
The time specified by the War Department, twenty-one days,
being entirely inadequate to complete the organization of the regi-
ment, it was extended by the following order:
War Department, August 22, 1861.
Col. BteNRT R. Guss, West Chester, Pa.
Sir: The time granted you by this Department, in which to
report your regiment ready for marching orders, is hereby extended
fliirty days, with the understanding, however, that you make every
exertion to report earlier if possible.
By order of the Secretary of War:
[Signed] James Leslie, Jr.,
Chief Clerk, War Department.
The company remained at Camp Everhart until September 12,
r^ularly engaged in performing the usual camp duties and in ac-
quiring proficiency in drill and discipline under the instructions of
their officers, Capt. G. Pennypacker being also meanwhile actively
engaged in superintending the requisite arrangements toward the
equipment and subsistence of the recruits for his own and the other
companies then being organized.
On the 12th of September, Company A moved from Camp Ever-
bart, in order to join the other companies of the Regiment, about
to go into quarters in the Agricultural Fair Grounds, which had
been previously occupied by the 9th and 11th Pennsylvania (three
months') Regiments, and by the 1st and 7th Regiments of Penn-
sylvania Reserves, being known as Camp Wayne. Company A
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16 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
selected their quarters in the southwest corner of the grounds,
along New Street. The sheds having been fitted up as barracks,
made very comfortable shelter, which the tact and ingenuity of the
men, with a supply of boards and clean straw, soon made quite
desirable as domiciles, and with the inflitence of song and violin
and the cheer of true brave hearts in close companionship, as bunk
mates, the tedium of camp life was made bright and joyous. The
scene to a looker-on became a marvel to reconcile the apparent busy
unconcern of men about to enter upon scenes and duties so solemn,
so stem, so real; yet, to the more sagacious thinker, the thought
was presented of a great underlying purpose permeating the hearts
of these men ; the apparent unconcern being typical of the airy
mist playing about the crest of some vast range of mountain bar-
rier, against which storms might dash and tempest beat. Thus
should these brave and strong men stand immovable and fixed, a
part of a mighty host gathered and gathering, against which the
fiery charge of treason and the tide of battle might surge as vainly.
Upon the completion of the organization of Company A, Capt. G.
Pennypacker was authorized, pursuant to an order issued by Lieut.
Col. Charles F. Ruff, 3d U. S. Cav., chief mustering ofiieer for the
eastern division of Pennsylvania, to muster the officers and men
who should enlist in the remaining companies of the Regiment.
He accordingly mustered the recruits into the service of the United
States, from time to time, as enlisted, during the organization, to
the entire satisfaction of the officer, who deputized him to perform
the service.
Dr. John R. Everhart, having been selected by Col. Guss as sur-
geon of the Regiment, made the prescribed critical examination of
all the men presented for enlistment in the several companies of the
Regiment.
After the organization of three companies, Capt. G. Pennypacker,
of Company A, was, by Col. H. R. Guss, designated as major of
the Regiment. He had, upon the first occupation of Camp Wayne,
assumed command as senior captain, and continued in command of
the camp until the muster of Lieut. Col. A. P. Duer, on October 7,
1861.
Company A received its allotment of clothing, camp and garrison
equipage on the 80th of August and its arms (the old rifled musket)
about the 14th of September. The drill in the manual of arms
etc., was diligently maintained, together with all the evolutions and
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PROMOTIONS IN COMPANY A. 17
company movements which tend to perfect the requisite training of
the soldier.
Capt. G. Pennypacker's commission as major being dated Octo-
ber 7, 1861, created a vacancy in Company A from that date, he
having been mustered as major by Lieut. Col. Charles F. Ruff, at
Philadelphia, on October 7, 1861. On October 12, the members of
Company A being authorized to do so, held an election for captain,
which resulted in the choice of Francis M. Guss, of West Chester,
a brother of Col. H. R. Guss, and a late 1st lieutenant in Company
A, 9th Regiment P. V. (in the three months' service). He was
afterward commissioned, by Gov. Curtin, as captain of Company A,
and was duly mustered as such on October 15, 1861, and imme-
diately entered upon the duties of commander of the company.
The subsequent promotions in the company and non-commissioned
officers are here given as nearly in their proper order as could be
obtained. On April 28, 1862, Corp. J. J. Rudolph was promoted
to 5th sergeant. The corporals were each advanced one in grade.
Private Alfred B. Peace, of Coatesville, was appointed 8th corporal.
On May 1, 1862, 1st Lieut. Louis Y. Evans was promoted to cap-
lain of Company G. 2d Lieut. William Peace was commissioned
Ist Heutenant of Company A, and 1st Sergt. Thomas E. Weber, 2d
lientenant of the company. 2d Sergt. Abel Griffith was appointed
Ist sergeant, the remaining sergeants were promoted one in grade
respectively, and Ist Corp. William L. Morris appointed 5th ser-
geant. The corporals were then designated in the following order :
Ist Corp. Stackhouse, 2d Corp. Martin, 3d Corp. Pyott, 4 th Corp.
Ellam, 5th Corp. Welsh, 6th Corp. Daubman, 7th Corp. Peace, and
Private Nathaniel R. Cowen, of Churchtown, Lancaster Co., Pa.,
was appointed 8th corporal. On January 9, 1863, 3d Sergt. Bru-
baker was reduced to the ranks. The 4th and 5th sergeants were
advanced one in grade, and 1st Corp. Stackhouse was appointed 5th
sergeant. The other corporals were advanced one in grade, Corp.
Martin being 1st corporal. Private John T. Taylor, of Oxford,
Chester Co., was appointed 8th corporal.
On the 30th of January, 1864, 2d Lieut. Thomas E. Weber was
transferred to the U. S. Signal Corps, by order of the War Depart-
ment, and on the 18th of February, 1864, 1st Lieut. William Peace
resigned and was honorably discharged, by Special Order No. 66,
Head-Quarters Department of the South, dated February 18, 1864,
thus vacating both positions. 1st Sergt. Abel Griffith was promoted
2
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18 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
to 1st lieutenant and 2d Sergt. Isaac J. Burton to 2d lieutenant,
their commissions being dated March 4, 1864. 3d Sergt. Rudolph
was promoted to 18t sergeant; 4:th Sergt. Morris to 2d sergeant and
5th Sergt. Stackhouse to 3d sergeant. 1st Corp. Martin was ap-
pointed 4th sergeant. There was no immediate promotion to 5th
sergeant. 2d Corp. Pyott was promoted to 1st corporal.
Private Madison Lovett, of Colerain, Lancaster Co., Pa., was ap-
pointed 7th corporal, July 1, 1864, and Private Harry T. Gray,
veteran, of Concordville, Delaware Co., was appointed 8th corporal,
August 1, 1864. Corp. John T. Taylor was killed in action, at
Mine, near Petersburg, Va., July 30, 1864. 3d Sergt. B. F. Stack-
house died, August 19, 1864, of wounds received in action at Deep
Bottom, Va., August 16, 1864. Ist Sergt. Jervis J. Rudolph, 2d
Sergt. W. L. Morris, and Corps. Harry L. Pyott, Jacob Daubman
and Alfred B. Peace, were mustered out of service, August 22, 1864,
upon the expiration of term of service, and Corp. Reese E. Welsh
on August 25, 1864. 4th Sergt. W. H. Martin was then appointed
1st sergeant.
To fill the remaining and subsequent vacancies, the following
were appointed sergeants : Corp. Harry T. Gray to sergeant, August
20, 1864 ; Privates Lewis E. Humpton, appointed corporal, October
10, 1864; to sergeant, November 24, 1864; Robert L. Black, same
date; Frank C. Henry appointed corporal, November 24, 1864; to
sergeant, February 1, 1865, and Joseph Phillips appointed corporal,
July 1, 1866; to sergeant. May 10, 1865. Corp. Madison Lovett
was promoted to hospital steward, September 18, 1864. Ist Sergt.
William H. Martin was promoted to 2d lieutenant, October 4,
1864; to 1st lieutenant, October 31, 1864; to captain, December 4,
1864; to major, January 15, 1865, and to lieutenant colonel, June
1, 1865. Sergt. Harry T. Gray was promoted to Ist sergeant,
October 4, 1864, and to 1st lieutenant, December 4, 1864; he was
not mustered; discharged, May 9, 1865, expiration of term. Sergt.
Lewis E. Humpton was promoted to 1st sergeant, December 4,
1864; to captain, February 28, 1865. Sergt. Robert L. Black was
promoted, same date, to 1st lieutenant. Capt. Humpton resigned
May 22, 1865. On June 15, 1865, 1st Lieut. Black was promoted
to captain. Sergt. Frank C. Henry was promoted to Ist sergeant,
February 28, 1865; to 2d lieutenant. May 1, 1865, and to 1st
lieutenant, June 15, 1865, but was not mustered as lieutenant.
Sergt. Joseph Phillips was promoted to 1st sergeant, February 19,
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PROMOTIONS IN COMPANY A. 19
1865, and on June 15, 1865, was promoted to 2d lieutenant, but
was not mustered as lieutenant. Private Jeptha Clark was pro-
moted to corporal, February 1, 1865; to sergeant. May 1, 1866.
Private James P. Smedley promoted to corporal and to sergeant, no
date; Private Allison Gibson promoted to corporal and to sergeant,
no date; John Harman, substitute, promoted to corporal; to sergeant,
July 19, 1865. These four sergeants were all mustered out with the
company, August 28, 1865. Private Caleb B. Moore, recruit, pro-
moted to corporal; discharged for wounds, April 22, 1865; Private
Lewis Larrison, drafted, promoted to corporal; discharged by general
order, June 2, 1865; Private John M. Stevens, drafted, promoted
to corporal, discharged by general order, June 2, 1865 ; Private
Nathaniel Whitebread, substitute, promoted to corporal; discharged
by general order, May 5, 1865; Private Henry A. Wittich^ sub-
stitute, promoted to corporal, April 22, 1865; Private John T.
Carpenter, recruit, promoted to corporal, July 19, 1865; Private
Lewis Macks, substitute, promoted to corporal, July 19, 1865;
Private Taylor Richardson, veteran, promoted to corporal, August
18, 1865 ; Private Robert M. Glisan, substitute, promoted to corporal,
August 18, 1865 ; Private Henry P. Towns, substitute, promoted to
corporal, August 18, 1865; Private Burton G. Bovee, substitute,
promoted to corporal ; Private Daniel Phillips, substitute, promoted
to corporal. The eight last were mustered out with company,
August 28, 1865. Of the original number, five non-commissioned
officers and seventeen privates re-enlisted as veterans at Fernandina,
Fk, in accordance with general orders of War Department, No.
191, series of 1863, and No. 25, of 1864, were mustered into the
service, for the remainder of the war, by 1st Lieut. M. V. B. Rich-
ards, United States mustering officer; those not re-enlisting and not
pteriously discharged being mustered out at the expiration of their
term of service, from August 22 to 30, thirty-one being discharged
on the former date. They were the first to return to their homes,
were cordially welcomed at West Chester upon their arrival and
provided with hospitable entertainment by their old commander. Col.
Gus8, at the Green Tree Hotel.
At North Edisto, July 12, 1862, a splendid sword, sheath, waist-
Wt, sash, shoulder straps and sword case were presented by the
aembers of the company to Capt. F. M. Guss. The movement had
Wi originated in January, by subscription to the fund for the pur-
pose, and the order was sent by Col. H. R. Guss. The express
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20 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
package arrived a few days previously, and by arrangement, after
breakfast, the mfen were in line to wait upon the captain at his
quarters. The presentation speech was made by Private David M.
Taylor, who, in a few expressive words, apprised the captain of the
purpose of their visit. Capt. Guss received this handsome testi-
monial as a complete surprise, having had not the least intimation
of any such purpose. He replied in a few happy words, expressing
his surprise and thanks for the manifestation of confidence and
respect. The occasion was one of much good feeling throughout
the company.
Company B, Chester County Grays.
The organization of this company was commenced at Parkesburg,
Chester Co., Pa., on the 15th of August, 1861, by the consolidation
of two volunteer companies, one known as the Chester County
Grays, of that place, commanded by Capt. William B. McCoy, and
the other as the Keystone Rifles, of Cochranville, Chester Co., com-
manded by Capt. Robert L. McClellan.
The men were mostly from the vicinity of those places. On the
30th of August, 1861, the first muster was made at West Chester,
Pa., by Capt. G. Pennypacker, when eighty-five men were mus-
tered, with Capt. William B. McCoy as commanding ofiicer, and
designated as Company B, 97th Regiment P. V. The remaining
officers then mustered were : 1st lieutenant, Jonas M. C. Savage,
of Cochranville ; 2d lieutenant, James Hughes. The non-commis-
sioned officers then appointed were: 1st sergeant, John Armstrong;
2d sergeant, David N. Bimey; 3d sergeant, Hugh M. Hutton; 4th
sergeant, Nelson P. Boyer; 5th sergeant, Henry Kendig, Jr.; 1st
corporal, Elisha Middleton; 2d corporal, Samuel McCluskey; 3d
corporal, Andrew J. Graham ; 4th corporal, John DeLaugh ; 5th
corporal, Robert Ferguson ; 6th corporal, Webster A. Nichols , 7th
corporal, Joseph Haines; 8th corporal, James T. Skiles. Musicians:
William James Irwin, fifer, and Benjamin K. Hutton, drummer.
Wagoner, James McNulty.
The militia Hame adopted by the company was the Chester County
Grays, after Capt. McCoy's old company. The men went into
quarters in Camp Wayne, on the 25th of August, 1861, occupying
the barracks at the southeast angle of the camp. Additional
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ORGANIZATION AND PROMOTIONS, COMPANY B. 21
musters were made on September 9, three men; on September 11,
seven men; on September 16, 21 and 24, each one additional;
completing the aggregate number for a company, one hundred and
one, officers and men. Private Henry Melius having deserted, on
August 30, the evening after being mustered, there was an additional
man mustered, on November 13, to fill the vacancy.
The company was furnished with every necessary outfit, and
received arms from the Schuylkill arsenal soon after being mustered,
and entered actively upon the work of preparation for service. The
first promotion in the company was that of Corp. James T. Skiles,
to be quarter-master sergeant, who was transferred to the non-com-
missioned staff, on October 29, 1861, he having entered upon the
duties of that position immediately after being mustered into the
service. To fill this vacancy. Private Malachi Happersett was ap-
pointed 8th corporal, on December 2, 1861. 2d Sergt. D. H. Birney
was reduced to the ranks, March 24, 1862. Sergts. Hutton, Boyer,
and Kendig were promoted one in grade respectively, and 1st Corp.
Elisha Middleton appointed 6th sergeant. Corp. McCluskey, being
promoted to 1st corporal, Corps. Graham, DeLaugh, Ferguson,
Nichols, Haines and Happersett were then advanced one in grade,
and Private Jacob G. Lowry appointed 8th corporal. About this
time, charges were preferred against Corp. DeLaugh, upon which
he was tried by general court-martial, found guilty and sentenced
to be dishonorably discharged from the service, the sentence being
subsequently promulgated and carried into effect on May 26, 1862,
at Edisto. S. C, as prescribed. The vacancy was filled April 1,
1862, by regular promotion of the five junior corporals, and Private
William A. Deisem was promoted to be 8th corporal. On April 19,
1862, Corp. Andrew J. Graham was discharged on account of an
accidental wound with loss of index finger of right hand. 2d Lieut.
James Hughes resigned, and was honorably discharged, at Edisto,
S. C, on May 1, 1862. 1st Sergt. John Armstrong was then pro-
moted to be 2d lieutenant, and 2d Sergt. Hutton to 1st sergeant.
Sergts. Boyer, Kendig and Middleton were then promoted to 2d, 3d
and 4th sergeants, 7th Corp. Jacob G. Lowry being promoted to
5th sergeant, from May 1, 1862. Corps. Ferguson, Nichols, Haines
and Happersett were also promoted to be 2d, 3d, 4th and 6th
corporals, to fill the vacancies caused by the discharge of 2d Corp.
Graham. 8th Corpl Deisem was advanced to 6th corporal, and
Privates Gerhard Keeder and Dallas Crow promoted to be 7th and
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22 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
8th corporals. 2d Corp. Robert Ferguson died, at Hilton Head,
S. C, on May 18, 1862. The vacancy was filled by the promotion
of the junior corporals one in grade, but no appointment was made
to 8th corporal until June 1, 1862, when there were other vacancies
to be filled. On May 26, 1862, 2d Sergt. Boyer was discharged at
Edisto, S. C. 3d Sergt. Kendig was promoted to be 2d sergeant,
and 5th Sergt. Lowry to be 3d sergeant. On June 1, 1862, 1st
Corp. McCluskey was promoted to be 5th sergeant. 2d Corp. W .A.
Nichols was then promoted to 1st corporal, and the other corporals
each advanced one in grade. Private David H. Birney was now
promoted to 7th corporal, and Private James M. Jackson to 8th
corporal. On November 4, 1862, 1st Sergt. Hugh M. Hutton and
4 th Sergt. Elisha Middleton were discharged at Hilton Head, S. C.
The latter died on the day of his discharge. 2d Sergt. Henry
Kendig, Jr., was then promoted to be Ist sergeant; 3d Sergt. Lowry
to be 2d sergeant; 1st Corp. W. A. Nichols to be 3d sergeant and
7th Corp. David H. Birney re-appointed 4th sergeant. The order
announcing these appointments was dated January 1, 1863, by
which 5th Sergt. Samuel McCluskey was reduced to the ranks and
3d Corp. Happersett was promoted to be 5th sergeant, 2d Corp.
Haines to be Ist corporal, and Corps. Deisem, Reeder, Crow and
Jackson, and Privates John F. Boofter, Joseph Stott and John B.
Griffith appointed 2d, 3d, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th corporals,
respectively. 2d Lieut. John Armstrong, having resigned, was
honorably discharged on the 18th of November, 1862. Quarter-
Master Sergt. James T. Skiles was promoted to be 2d lieutenant on
December 16, 1862.
Capt. William B. McCoy commanded the company until June 18,
1863, when, owing to failing health, his resignation was accepted
and he received an honorable discharge, at Seabrook Island, S. C,
and returned to his home, where he died of consumption, September
24, 1866. Ist Lieut. Jonas M. C. Savage was then promoted to
captain, to rank from June 23, 1863; 2d Lieut. James T. Skiles
being promoted to 1st lieutenant. There was no immediate pro-
motion to 2d lieutenant. 1st Sergt. Henry Kendig, Jr., was dis-
charged on surgeon's certificate, at Fernandina, Fla., December 9,
1863. 2d Sergt. Lowry was then promoted to 1st sergeant and was
soon after recommended for promotion to 2d lieutenant. There was
some delay, however, in receiving his commisMon. Meantime, he
re-enlisted as a veteran, with forty-three others of his company, and
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PROMOTIONS IN COMPANY B. 23
was subsequently mustered, May 26, 1864, as 2d lieutenant, to
rank from June 23, 1863. No appointment to 1st sergeant was
made until May 1, 1864, when 2d Sergt. Webster A. Nichols, who
was acting Ist sergeant, was appointed to that position. The sub-
sequent promotions of non-commissioned officers are noted as far as
could be obtained upon the company roster, but cannot be given
here in their order for want of the necessary dates of promotion,
Capt. Savage commanded the company until May 20, 1864, when
he was severely wounded in action, at Green Plains, Bermuda Hun-
dred, Va. He was from that time disabled from service, and absent
in hospital until discharged, October 22, 1864, on account of wounds
and expiration of term of service. 1st Lieut. Skiles commanded the
company during a portion of the operations before Petersburg and
Richmond, Va., from May 20 till November 5, 1864, when dis-
charged at expiration of term of service, being also upon staff duty
daring a portion of that time. 2d Lieut. Jacob G. Lowry com-
manded the company during the time 1st Lieut. Skiles was upon
detailed duty before Petersburg. He was subsequently placed in
arrest, under charges upon which he was tried and convicted by
general court martial, and sentenced to be dishonorably discharged
the service, by Special Order No. 132, War Department, Adjutant
General's Office, March 18, 1866. These vacancies were filled by
promotion of non-commissioned officers as follows: 4th Sergt. Dallas
Crow to commissary sergeant, September 9, 1864; to 1st lieutenant,
March 1, 1865, and to captain of the company on April 4, 1866.
He remained the commanding officer of the company until the dis-
charge of the regiment, August 28, 1865. Private David S. Harry
was promoted to corporal, May 1, 1864; to 4th sergeant, September
4, 1864; to 1st sergeant, November 1, 1864, and to 1st lieutenant,
February 1, 1865, and held that rank until discharged with the
company, August 28, 1865. Corp. John B. Griffith was promoted
to sergeant, October 10, 1864; to 1st sergeant, April 22, 1865; to
2d lieutenant. May 1, 1865, and was mustered out as such with the
company, August 28, 1865. Private Andrew M. Strickland was
promoted to corporal, November 2, 1864; to sergeant, February 1,
1865, and to 1st sergeant, August 1, 1865, being mustered out as
such with the company, August 28, 1865.
The men of Company B were mostly such as made efficient and
reliable soldiers, and were generally kept in a good state of drill and
discipline by their officers. There were, however, some difficulties
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24 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
experienced, during the summer of 1863, that for a time gave some
trouble, owing to a want of proper management on the part of the
officers in dealing with a spirit of insubordination on the part of a
few of the men. These were taken in hand by the regimental
commanders, and a careful examination had of all the circumstances,
resulting in a restoration of the men to duty after a suitable repri-
mand. They subsequently proved to he most excellent and reliable
men.
The company was at the point of attack by the enemy at James
Island, S. C, on June 10, 1862, and was a part of the force that
received and held in check his impetuous advance. The officers
and men acquitted themselves most gallantly under the trying
ordeal of a first experience under fire. The men never moved from
their position. Having emptied their cartridge boxes on the ground,
they lay down and kept up an incessant fire upon the foe, who had
advanced to within a few feet of them. The record of the company,
during the entire period of the service, is one of faithful performance
of duty in the field with a promptness and bravery that rendered
the company reliable as a cover to the left flank of the Regiment,
scarcely second to that which held the right in unsurpassed
efficiency and vigilance. To particularize further in detail is un-
necessary, the record of the company being identified thoroughly
with the narrative of events that make up the history of the
Regiment, in all of which it participated.
Of the original number of enlisted men, forty-three re-enlisted for
the remainder of the war, at Femandina, Fla., under provision of
general orders of the War Department, No. 191, series of 1863,
and No. 26, of 1864, and were re-mustered by 1st Lieut. M. V. B.
Richardson, United States mustering officer of that department.
The others, as the time of service expired, were mustered out by
Capt. J. E. Lord, and returned to their homes. (See record).
Company C, Paoli Guards.
The third company, C, was recruited by Isaiah Price, a resident
of West Chester, Pa., second son of Benjamin and Jane Price, of
East Bradford, Chester Co., Pa., prominent and consistent members
of the society of Friends. The former (deceased January 8, 1872)
was long an elder, and the latter still an approved minister in that
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ORGANIZATION OP COMPANY C. 25
society. In the education of their children they had faithfully
endeavored to instil with their training a correct appreciation of
the principles by which their own lives had been led, in exemplary
obedience to the *' light that maketh manifest the way in which to
walk," and were also carefiil to inculcate the necessity for each
mind to be true to the requirements of duty, which might claim the
attention under circumstances of peculiar emergency or trial, when
none could judge one for another. As a consequence of these in-
fluences of early training and of association, until then, in personal
membership with Friends, the question of duty presented, when the
rebellion came, was one of serious interest to many hitherto re-
garded as consistent members of that society. In this instance, the
subject was one likely to cause much anxiety and conflict of mind
to one reared in the kindest association and sympathy with every
parental influence, causing a degree of hesitation that for a time
delayed a step which it was realized must bring great pain to the
hearts of beloved parents, whose anxieties would now follow, with
more than usual solicitude, the departure of another son to engage
in the duties and dangers of war, so apparently at variance with
the influence of all their early training. (Their third son having
abeady gone to the front with the 1st Regiment Pennsylvania
Reserves.) They were, however, enabled to confide their sons to
the care of Him in whose hands are ever held the lives of all, and
in beautiful faith they lived through those years of peril and trial,
sending forth the influence of their prayers and their hopes for the
preservation of their children, and for others, also, from every danger
and from all evil. They were permitted to receive both their sons
again at the end of the war, with grateful hearts that their prayers
had been answered.
When the culmination of disaster came, at Bull Run, Va., the
matter of duty was decided as paramount to all other considerations.
As a preparatory quaUflcation for duty, when its imperativeness
should be fully recognized, I. Price had joined a company of home
guards, the Gray Reserves, organized at West Chester, Pa., in
April, 1861, commanded by Capt. William B. Waddell, now a State
Senator from Chester Co., Pa. (1873). The company was armed
with Enfield rifles, provided by the borough of West Chester, and
immediately entered upon a course of drill and discipline that very
soon resulted in a commendable degree of proficiency in the various
movements of company and battalion drill, the manual of arms, etc.
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26 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH BEGIMENT.
Of this company he was appointed a corporal, and omitted no
opportunity for acquiring the practical advantages of drill and dis-
cipline with his company.
About the middle of August, 1861, the first and second companies
of Col. Guss* Regiment were in process of organization, and efforts
were being made to have other companies started.
It was at this juncture that Henry W. Carruthers, Esq., called
upon I. Price, at his office, in West Chester, with a request from
Col. H. R. Guss for an interview with him at his residence, Mr.
Carruthers stating, at the same time, that it was the desire of the
colonel to have Mr. Price recruit a company for his Regiment.
This proposition was so unexpected, so entirely beyond any idea
entertained of qualification for a responsibility so great, as to be
deemed quite impossible of acceptance. Mr. Carruthers was, there-
fore, assured that, in response to Col. Giiss' kind confidence, the
matter would be considered in the possibility of accepting the less
responsible trust of a lieutenancy. In the interview with CoL
Guss, which followed, he urged the acceptance of his original pro-
position, upon the ground of his own judgment in the matter of
qualification, stating some points wliich he regarded as of more
primary importance than mere military training.
The proposition of Col. Guss was eventually accepted, when the
following letter, addressed to whom it may concern, authorized
Capt. Price to commence recruiting his company :
West Chester, Pa., x^ugust 21, 1861.
Dear Sir: I have authorized Mr. Isaiah Price, of this borough,
to recruit a company for the Chester County Regiment, and would
be pleased if you could lend him your counsel and aid in the matter.
Mr. Price is a gentleman of character, and is an energetic, attentive
man. Those in your vicinity who desire to enter the service of their
country will find Mr. Price reliable.
Very truly, yours, Henry R. Guss.
On August 22, a message from Col. Guss informed Capt. Price
that some young men were at the Green Tree Hotel, who desired
to see him. He was then introduced to Mr. Emmor G. Griffith,
and several others, from the vicinity of Warren Tavern post office,
in Chester Valley. They were members of a company of home
guards, Mr. Griffith being 1st lieutenant of the company. There
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ORGANIZATION OF COMPANY C. 27
had been an eflfort to have the company enter the service of the
United States, but there not being sufficient unanimity among its
members, those who were desirous of entering the service had
determined to join Col. Guss' regiment. They had come to West
Chester for that purpose, and signified their willingness to enlist
in Capt. Price's company. Their names being the first appended
to his list of recruits, are here given: Emmor G. Griffith, East
Whiteland; Stephen H. Eachus, David N. Ruth, Willistown;
Samuel A. March, Alexander Beck, Joseph M. Lewis, East White-
land; Henry Weidner, Charlestown; Franklin T. Eppright, Levi
Keeley, William D. Thomas, East Whiteland; Joseph R. Acker,
Joseph Kugler, Tredyffrin.
It was then stated that there were others in that neighborhood
desirous of enlisting, and it was proposed to call a meeting at the
old Mennonite meeting house, then known as the Flat school house,
in Chester Valley, of which public notice was given, inviting all to
be present who were desirous of enlisting in the service. The meet-
ing was held on the evening of August 28, 1861, at which there
was a large number in attendance. Some eloquent and stirring
remarks were made by Dr. F. Taylor, of West Chester, presenting
the necessity of the call of the government for troops. Remarks
were also made by several of those who had joined Capt. Price's
company, and, some reference being made to the home guard
company, it became evident that some of the members of that or-
ganization were regarding the meeting as an effort to dismember the
company. An officer of that company, upon obtaining the floor,
endeavored to explain the status of the company and its action,
and deprecated any effort to enlist the men of his company by
others. Capt. Price, upon being presented to the meeting, expressed
his regret that a misapprehension should exist in the minds of any
in regard to the purpose of the meeting. He had been invited to
meet at this place all persons in the vicinity who were desirous of
immediately entering the service of the United States. He had
been informed that there were a number in this neighborhood, and
he was here to present them with an opportunity of so doing. If,
however, there was an organized company here, whose officers were
desirous of entering the service with their men, he would not ask
a man to leave that company; but would, on the contrary, urge its
officers to enlist these men and invite the company to join the regi-
ment of Col. Guss.
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28 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT,
After the meeting, several names were added to the list of recruits.
Capt. Price subsequently visited various localities in the vicinity of
Chester Valley, accompanied by Lieut. Emmor G. Griffith, adding
daily to the list of recruits. A meeting was also held at the Leopard
Inn, in Williston township, which was largely attended and was
addressed by Dr. Franklin Taylor, E. P. Needles, Esq., and others,
several recruits being obtained. He also visited Chatham, New
London, Oxford Borough, and other places in the county. At Ox-
ford, he attended a harvest home celebration, at which Capt.
Waddell's company of Gray Reserves was present for parade and
target practice, making a very favorable impression by their pro-
ficiency in drill, manoeuvres, firing, etc., and for their remarkably
well conducted behavior.
At the meeting, Capt. Price, in some brief remarks, called
attention to the efforts being made to obtain recruits for the 97th
Regiment, and invited those present, who were desirous of entering
the service, to join that regiment, stating that he desired not to
pursuade any one to enlist — that each should be guided in the
matter from a sense of duty — and he would use not a single argu-
ment to induce any to assume otherwise so serious a responsibility.
From this locality the list of recruits was largely increased.
Having notified his recruits that the first muster would be had
on the 11th day of September, 1861, Capt. Price appointed the ren-
dezvous at the Green Tree Hotel, at' 10 o'clock A. M. They then
proceeded to the armory of the National Guard, on Church Street,
West Chester, where the surgeon of the Regiment, Dr. J. R. Ever-
hart, made a personal examination of the recruits in accordance
with the regulations of the service. Fifty-four men were passed for
muster and then mustered into the service of the United States, for
three years, by Capt. G. Pennypacker, mustering officer for the Regi-
ment, with Henry W. Carruthers, Esq., as 1st lieutenant, Capt. Price
and 2d Lieut. Emmor G. Griffith awaiting muster until the number
of men should reach an aggregate of eighty-three. When the
muster was completed, Capt. Price marched the company to quar-
ters in Camp Wayne. It occupied the sheds from the southwest
corner of the grounds along Rosedale Avenue, toward the east.
Lumber had been furnished by the quarter master for making the
quarters tenantable by the men, and tools furnished for the work.
The men had arranged themselves in squads according to their ac-
quaintance and desire to associate. Straw had also been provided.
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ORGANIZATION OF COMPANY C. 29
and the men had brought with them overcoats and blankets for use
until clothing, etc. could be issued. Before night, provisions had
been issued, and everything under way of preparation to provide for
the comfort of the men in camp.
On September 16, twelve men were mustered; on the 17th,
nine more; and on the 18th, seven, making the number eighty-one,
sufficient to complete the company, at the minimum standard, by
the muster of Capt. Price and 2d Lieut. Emmor G. Griffith, en-
titUng the company to rank third in the Regiment, and to be de-
signated Company C, with the honor of bearing the colors during
the service, attaining the position just two days in advance of the
next company organization. The militia name adopted by the
company was the Paoli Guards, in compliment to the first list of
recruits to join the company from that historic locality. On the
21st of September, fifteen men were added to the company, and on
the 23d the company was completed by the muster of three men,
making a total of one hundred and one, officers and men.
Requisitions had been previously made for the requisite clothing,
camp and garrison equipage, which were furnished from the Quarter-
Master's Department, at Philadelphia, the invoices being signed
by Col. G. H. Crossman, Deputy Quarter-Master General, and by
Col. W. R. Gibson, Pay-Master U. S A. and acting military store-
keeper, and by C. A. Alligood, military storekeeper U. S. A., the
entire outfit of the company being completed between September
21 and October 15. Arms were furnished by Col. T. J. Treadwell,
1st Lieutenant of Ordnance at the Frankford arsenal, and for-
warded by Col. G. H. Crossman, Deputy Quarter-Master General,
consisting of ninety-eight muskets of the old pattern having been
altered to percussion locks. They were received at Camp Wayne
on September 23, 1861,
There had been, from the day of muster, regular drill hours
established, the men being divided into squads for exercise in the
step and the march, facings, etc., under the direction of Lieut.
Carruthers. Upon the completion of the muster, the following non-
commissioned officers had been appointed, September 18, 1861:
l8t sergeant, Isaac Smedley; 2d sergeant, Francis J. Eachus; 3d
sergeant, John D. Beaver; 4:th sergeant, Joseph R Acker; 6th
sergeant, William Gardiner; 1st corporal, Gerritt S. Hambleton;
2d corporal, Stephen H. Eachus; 3d corporal, Joseph M. Lewis;
4th corporal, Henry KaufFman, Jr.; 5th corporal, Richard B. Moore;
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30 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
6th corporal, Hibberd Aitkin ; 7th corporal, Samuel W. Hawley ;
8th corporal, Isaac A. Cleaver. To prepare the men for company
drill, these officers were placed in charge of squads for instruction
and practice in the preliminary movements, so that by the time
the arms, etc., were received, they had attained very creditable
progress; and were then instructed in the manual of arms; the
day being divided into periods for the different movements ; a por-
tion being devoted to drill in squads without arms, a portion to the
manual, in squads, and a portion to company drill in the step and
the march, and later in the manual by the company and the march
under arms ; allowing periods of rest and recreation ample enough
to avoid weariness to the men. The subsequent narration of
events at Camp Wayne will be left for what is said in general of
the Regiment while at that locality.
1st Lieut. Carruthers having been designated by Col. Guss for
the position of adjutant of the Regiment, he was, therefore, de-
tached from Company C, and mustered as adjutant, by Col. C. F.
Ruff, United States mustering officer, October 31, 1861. On
November 4, 2d Lieut. Emmor G. Griffith was promoted to 1st
lieutenant, to fill the vacancy, and was mustered as such on No-
vember 5, 1861, by Maj. G. Pennypacker, mustering officer for the
Regiment. It being understood that the men of the company
would be permitted to designate their choice for promotion to the
2d lieutenancy, a vote was taken, when it was found that 5th
Sergt. William Gardiner had received a majority of the votes of
the company, whereupon he was appointed 2d lieutenant and sub-
sequently duly commissioned. He was mustered as 2d lieutenant
on November 5, 1861, by Maj. G. Pennypacker.
1st Corp. Gerritt S. JSambleton was then promoted to be 5th
sergeant of the company, and the remaining corporals advanced
one in grade, Stephen H. Eachus being 1st corporal. Private John
Y. McCarter was appointed 8th corporal, to rank from November
5, 1861.
On November 4, 1861, William WoUerton, Esq., an Associate
Judge of the county of Chester, upon the application of the parents
of William Shingle (an alleged minor), enlisted in Company C,
issued a writ of habeas corpus, directed to the company commander,
requiring him to produce the soldier before him, for a hearing, on
November 5, at 10 o'clock A. M. Capt. Price appeared with the
recruit at the hour named, and made answer that he held the
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VACANCIES AND PROMOTIONS IN COMPANY C. 31
soldier upon a regular and voluntary enlistment into the United
States service, he having stated his age to be eighteen years, that
his parents knew of his coming to enlist and made no objection
thereto. His parents, however, claimed that his age was only
seventeen years, and manifested great unwillingness to his enlist-
ment. The lad was equally anxious to serve his country in the
company. The Judge, however, decided upon his discharge on the
ground of minority.
While at Camp Wayne, Private James J. Wilson, in wrestling,
fractured the small bone of his leg, near the ancle. He received
prompt attention from Surgeons Everhart and Miller, and was
treated with great care and attention by his comrades at the
hospital The accident cast a feeling of regret over the men, which
tended to moderate the enjoyment of feats of agility and tests of
strength in the camp. He regained the use of his limb before the
Regiment was ordered to march, much to his own gratification, as
he had suffered as much from the fear of being left behind as he did
from his hurt.
After being in camp a few weeks, Corp. Hibberd Aitkin was
taken iU, with hemorrhage of the lungs, and was removed to his
home, where he remained when the Regiment was ordered to
Washington, being unable to leave his bed. He continued to de-
cline— ^notwithstanding he received the best medical care and at-
tention— until the 16th of July, 1862, when he died. His absence
from the company and subsequent death were most deeply felt by
his comrades, with whom he had become a great favorite for his
genial, lively and social disposition, which, by its gentle and win-
ning influence, had endeared him to all.
The death of 5th Sergt. Gerritt S. Hambleton, on the 30th of
January, 1862, which is more particularly noticed in the narrative
of the Regiment, was also a most serious loss to the company. His
quaUties and services, in the brief period of the voyage to Hilton
Head, had become recognized as unobtrusive and most efficient to a
degree that made each member of the company, and of the Regi-
ment, so far as his intercourse extended, his earnest friend. This
loss was quickly followed by that of Private Joseph R. McKinley,
who died on board the transport Boston, in Warsaw Sound, Ga.,
during the siege of Fort Pulaski, of ship fever, February 1, 1862.
Within a very few days, 2d Lieut. Gardiner was also prostrated
by the same disease, and died on the 19th of February, This suc-
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32 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
cession of deaths in this company, within a period so brief, the
insatiate archer claiming for his victims the brightest and most
gifted of their number, caused sorrow and mourning in the camp as
for brothers beloved, whose presence being missed in the tent, and
in the intercourse of companionship, left a void deep and sore in
many hearts, beside those at home who should behold the faces of
their loved ones no more. To these was soon added yet another
victim to the malarious miasma of the climate, and confinement to
the crowded transports during the siege of Pulaski. Corp. Joseph
M. Lewis died, on the 1st of March, 1862, after only a few hours'
illness of ship fever, while on the way to Florida. He was buried
at sea. To say of him that he also was young, gifted, brave and
faithful is but poor tribute to his memory or relief to those who
mourned with us his early loss. These vacancies in the company
were soon followed by the resignation of 1st Lieut. Emmor G.
Griffith, on account of illness (chronic diarrhoea), on April 30,
1862. About this time, the following promotions were made, in
the absence of Capt. Price, by Col. H. R. Guss: 1st Sergt. Isaac
Smedley, promoted to 2d lieutenant, February 19, 1862, vice W.
Gardiner, deceased; 2d Sergt. F. J. Eachus was acting 1st sergeant
after the promotion of Smedley, the designation of 1st sergeant
being delayed for a time; on 'February 1, 1862, Ist Corp. Stephen
H. Eachus was promoted to 5th sergeant, vice Hambleton, de-
ceased; the remaining corporals being advanced one in grade. On
March 20, the following appointment of corporals was announced for
Company C, by order of Col. H. R. Guss: 2d Corp. Henry Kauff-
man, Jr., to be 1st corporal, vice J. M. Lewis, deceased; 3d Corp.
Richard B. Moore, to be 2d corporal, vice Kauflfman, promoted; 4th
Corp. Hibberd Aitkin, to be 3d corporal, vice Moore, promoted; 5th
Corp. Samuel W. Hawley, to be 4th corporal, vice Aitkin, pro-
moted; 6th Corp. Isaac A. Cleaver, to be 5th corporal, vice Hawley,
promoted; 7th Corp. John Y. McCarter, to be 6th corporal, vice
Cleaver, promoted; Private B. Lundy Kent, to be 7th corporal,
vice McCarter, promoted; Private John R. Miller, to be 8th cor-
poral, to fill vacancy, to rank from March 20, 1862. On April 30,
1862, upon the recommendation of Col. H. R. Guss, 2d Sergt, F. J.
Eachus was commissioned as 1st lieutenant, vice Emmor Griffith,
resigned. The vacancies of 1st and 2d sergeant were not imme-
diately filled. Upon due consideration, in regard to previous and
subsequent promotions that might occur, it was determined by the
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VACANCIES AND PROMOTIONS IN COMPANY C. 33
company commander, upon his return to the company, to recom-
mend for promotion, to 1st sergeant, 1st Corp. Henry Kauffman,
Jr., who was accordingly appointed, by order of CoL H. R. Guss,
to rank from February 19, 18Q2, vice Smedley, promoted; 3d Sergt.
J D. Beaver wa^s then promoted to 2d sergeant, to rank from April
30, 1862, \ice F. J. Eachus, promoted; 4th Sergt. Joseph R. Acker
was promoted to 3d sergeant, vice Beaver, promoted; 5th Sergt. S.
H. Eachus was promoted to ith sergeant, vice Acker, promoted;
2d Corp. R. B. Moore was promoted to 5th sergeant, vice S. H.
Eachus, promoted. The recommendations lor these promotions were
made in June, 1862, and the appointments made by order to date
from April 30, 1862 The remaining corporals were advanced two
in grade. To fill one of the vacancies. Private Davis O. Taylor was
appointed 6th corporal, to rank from April 30, 1862. On June 6,
1862, Corp. Hawley was promoted to be sergeant-major of the
Regiment, and the death of Corp. Aitkin, occurring on July 26,
1862, caused two more vacancies. The order promulgating these
appointments was made in July, to rank from April 30, in the
following order: 1st corporal. Cleaver, vice Kauffman, promoted; 2d
corporal, McCarter, vice Moore, promoted,- 3d corporal, Kent, vice
Aitkin, deceased; 4th corporal. Miller, vice Hawley, promoted to
non-commissioned staff; 5th corporal, Taylor, vice Miller, promoted;
Private Robert Holmes was appointed 6th corporal, vice Taylor,
promoted, to rank from July 18, 1862; Private Levis Beidler was
appointed 7th corporal, to fill vacancy, to rank from July 18, 1862;
Private Robert B. Wilson was appointed 8th corporal, to fill the
remaining vacancy, August 1, 1862. When the company received
an assignment of drafted men, November, 1863, the unexpended
balance of company fund amounted to $429.36. It was ordered to
be distributed to the men of the company by authority of Col. H. R.
Guss. Capt. Price made the distribution, amounting to firom $5.68
to $6.97 per man, sixty-two in number, for which receipts were
given upon a special roll prepared for the purpose. The company
savings had always been carefully looked after, and were used, as
wanted, for company purposes, by direction of a committee of non-
commissioned officers, according to prescribed regulations.
On January 18, 1863, Corp. Taylor was discharged to re-enlist in
Company E, 3d U. S. Arty., and on the 28th of January, 1863,
Corp. Holmes was discharged, for disability, on surgeon's certificate.
Another vacancy was occasioned on April 1, 1863, by the appoint-
3
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34 BISTORT OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
ment of 2d Corp. John Y. McCarter to hospital steward. To fiU
vacancies, the remaining corporals were advanced in grade as they
occurred; and, on May 6, the following additional appointments
were made, by order of Col. H. R. Quss, in Special Order No. 13:
Private C. Burleigh Hambleton to 6th corporal, to rank from
January 22, 1863; Private Maris Peirce to 7th corporal, to rank
from February 8, 1863; Private M. Davis Thomas to 8th cor-
poral, to rank from April 1, 1863. Owing to failing health, 2d
Lieut. Isaac Smedley had tendered his resignation, on March 9,
which, being accepted in April, created a vacancy in the line. To
fill this, 1st Sergt. Henry Kauffman was appointed 2d lieutenant, to
rank as such from March 9, 1863. The four remaining sergeants
were advanced one in grade, the order promoting them and fiUing
the vacancy being dated July 1, 1863. 2d Sergt. J. D. Beaver
was released from duty as color bearer to fulfil the duties of 1st
sergeant; 1st Corp. Isaac A. Cleaver was appointed 5th sergeant;
2d Corp. B. L. Kent was pronioted to 1st corporal; the six re-
maining corporals were advanced one in grade, and Private Jesse D.
Farra was promoted to 8th corporal; on February 29, 1864, 1st
Corp. B. L. Kent was discharged to re-enlist as veteran; he was
re-appointed 3d corporal on same date.
The next vacancy in the company ofiicers was caused by the pro-
motion of Capt. Price to major, to rank from April 3, 1864. This
was filled by the appointment of Adjt. H. W. Carruthers, formerly
1st lieutenant of Company C, to be captain. These commissions
were not received until June 6, 1864, when, owing to the absence
of Lieut. Col. Pennypacker, on account of wounds, these officers
could not be mustered until his return and muster as lieutenant
colonel of the Regiment. On May 18, in action at Green Plains,
Va., 2d Sergt. Isaac Acker was killed, and 4th Corp. R. B. Wilson
and 7th Corp. M. Davis Thomas were mortally wounded. The latter
died on May 24 and the former on the 25th. On May 28, the 3d,
4th and 5th sergeants were advanced to 2d, 3d and 4th sergeants,
respectively, and 1st Corp. B. L. Kent was appointed 5th sergeant;
2d and 3d Corps. Miller and Beidler were promoted to 1st and 2d
corporals ; 5th and 6th Corps. Hambleton and ' Peirce were pro-
moted to 3d and 4th corporals, and 8th Corp. Farra to 5th corporal ;
Privates J. J. Dewees, L. R. Thomas and G. W. Abel were promoted
to 6th, 7th and 8th corporals, respectively. On August 16, 1864,
Capt. H. W. Carruthers was mortally wounded in action, at Straw-
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VACANCIES AND PROMOTIONS IN COMPANY C. 35
berry Plains, Va., from which he died on August 22, 1864. There
was no immediate promotion to fill the vacancy. Corp. L. R.
Thomas was appointed quarter-master sergeant, September 1, 1864,
vice Qr. Mr. Sergt. Taggart, and transferred to non-commissioned
staff.
As the term of service of the original officers and men expired,
from September 11 to 21, they were mustered out by Capt. T. E.
Lord, and returned home, except 1st Lieut. F. J. Eachus, against
whom charges were pending for trial before court-martial, and three
non-commissioned officers and seven privates, who had re-enlisted at
Femandina, Fla., in accordance with general orders of the War
Department, No. 191, series of 1863, and No. 25, of 1864. Of
these, Sergt. Kent, having applied for promotion in the United
States colored troops, was ordered to report to the superintendent
of recruiting service for duty in the Department of the Southwest,
about the end of August, having received notice of his being ap-
pointed to a captaincy in the 13th U. S. Hy. Art. (colored troops).
He was, however, not discharged and re-mustered until the 17th of
April, 1865, owing to the arbitrary and unjust conduct of the colonel
of the Regiment, but having vigorously endeavored to obtain his
muster, it was ordered by Special Order No. 47, Head-Quarters De-
partment of Kentucky. Capt. Kent encountered and overcame the
most persistent and systematic injustice, on the part of the com-
manding officer of the Regiment, to prevent his muster, by assigning
the men obtained by him to other companies, so as to reap the ad-
vantage of his success in recruiting himself. Capt. Kent finally
presented himself before the proper authorities, with a sufficient
number of men, and was duly mustered as captain of Company E,
13th Regiment, before reporting with his men to the colonel, other-
wise he would have been still further delayed and prevented from
drawing the pay due to re-imburse the heavy expenses incurred for
the recruiting service out of his own means.
Qr. Mr. Sergt. Leonard R. Thomas was promoted to 2d lieu-
tenant, September 23, 1864, vice Kaufl&nan, term expired. About
the same time, Corp. Abel was promoted to sergeant, and to 1st
sergeant; Private Warren to corporal and to 2d sergeant; and
Private Showalter to 3d sergeant. Privates Thomas Clark and
William Hammill, drafted, Francis Hoffman and Cyrus M. Davis,
veterans, were the first corporals appointed afl;er the discharge of
the former non-commissioned officers. Among the men assigned to
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36 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
the Regiment, October 20, 1864, were two Polanders, who claimed
to be officers in the Polish army, one a captain and the other a
lieutenant, who desired to serve in our army for the advantage of
its drill and discipline. These men, Casper Slabowski and Albert
Lesczzynski were appointed corporals, and subsequently sergeants of
the company, being discharged with the Regiment in that rank.
On the 3d of November, 1864, 1st Lieut. F. J. Eachus was
discharged. The court-martial before which he was tried, having
found him guilty of the charges preferred, had sentenced him to
be dishonorably discharged from the service; but, pending the
promulgation of the sentence, upon his earnest application, Col.
Pennypacker interposed no objection to his being mustered out of
service, upon his claim of expiration of service, which was accord-
ingly done, by Capt. T. E. Lord, on the above date. To fill this
vacancy, 2d Lieut. Leonard R. Thomas was promoted, the date of
his appointment being November 1, 1864. No other promotions
followed until after the action at Fort Fisher, N. C.
On February 1, 1st Lieut. Thomas was promoted to captain;
1st Sergt. George W. Abel to 1st lieutenant; 2d Sergt. Warren
to 1st sergeant. On February 1, Capt. Thomas was promoted to
major, vice Martin, promoted to lieutenant colonel; his commission
was not received until June; he was not mustered as major. 1st
Lieut. Abel received promotion, same date, to captain, but was
not mustered. On May 1, 1st Sergt. Charles Warren was promoted
to 2d lieutenant, and on June 1 to 1st lieutenant, but was not
mustered. On same date, Sergt. C. B. Showalter was promoted to
1st sergeant and to 2d lieutenant, but was not mustered. The only
remaining promotions were those of Corps. Hammill, Davis, Sla^
bowski and Lesczzynski to sergeants. The dates of promotion of
Corps. Hammill and Davis were recorded as July 1 and 26, 1865,
respectively; of the others no dates could be found. Corp. Clark
was killed, at Fort Fisher, N. C, January 15, 1865, and Cotp.
Hoffman was transferred to Company E, 3d U. S. Arty., June 24,
1865. The following named privates were appointed corporals:
Isaac Rodgers and James H. Quinby, date of appointment unknown ;
both were discharged, by general order, on June 5 and 28, 1866,
respectively; Thomas H. Bastian, substitute, appointed corporal
April 1, 1865, was discharged by general order, June 23, 1865;
George J. Switzer, drafted, promoted to corporal June 26, 1865;
John Latch and Henry H. Stiteler, veterans, were promoted to
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ORGANIZATION OF COMPANY D. 37
(»rporals, July 1, 1865; Joseph Brown and Daniel W. Clemmer,
drafted, promoted to corporals; no date given. The five last named
were all mustered out with the company.
Company D, Concordville Rifles.
The fourth company of the 97th Regiment was recruited by
William S. Mendenhall, of Chadd's Ford, Delaware County, Pa.
He was descended from a family of English Quakers, who emi-
grated to America during the persecutions of that people in Eng-
land, and settled in Concord, Delaware County, contemporary with
the William Penn settlers in Pennsylvania. Two brothers, Moses
and Robert Mendenhall, and a sister, who married a Mr. West,
and was the mother of Benjamin West, the celebrated painter, were
among the earliest settlers, from whom sprung a numerous family.
Their descendants, for several generations, were landed proprietors
in Chester and Delaware counties, leading the quiet life of Friends^
well-to-do and respected. Caleb Mendenhall, grandfather of Wil-
liam, married a Miss Taylor, of Westtown, of whom were born two
sons and five daughters. They lived near Chadd's Ford, Delaware
County. Their youngest son, J. Taylor Mendenhall, married Miss
Mia Speakman, daughter of William Speakman, of Dilworthtown.
The eldest son of this marriage was William S. Mendenhall, born at
the historic locality of Chadd's Ford, October 13, 1830. At the
death of his parents, when about five years of age, he went to reside
with his Grandfather Speakman, who sent him regularly to school
until about thirteen years of age, when the death of his grandfather
occnrred. He then found a home with Mr. James Cloud, of Con-
cordville, Delaware County, where he remained, going to school
occasionally, until near sixteen years of age, when he found a place
in the office of Hon. Nimrod Strickland, editor of the " American
Republican," at West Chester, Pa. About a year after, when the
Mexican War broke out, young Mendenhall, fired with patriotic
ardor, volunteered under the call of President Polk, in December,
1846, for ten new regiments to reinforce the army in Mexico. He
joined, and was appointed a corporal in Capt. C. J. Biddle's company,
in Philadelphia, which was ordered to rendezvous at Brazos San-
tiago, in February, 1847. It was then assigned to the 1st Regiment
U. S. Voltigeurs, under command of Col. F. P. Andrews, with
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38 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
Lieut. Col. Joseph E. Johnson and Majs. Talbot and Caldwell, all
of the U. S. A. He participated with his regiment in the siege of
Vera Cruz, under Gen. Scott, and with Gen. Cadwalader, in the
battles of Cerro Gordo, Jalapa, Perote and Puebla, and in assisting
to keep open communication between Vera Cruz and Puebla;
afterwards, in the valley of the city of Mexico; .at the battle of
Contreras, August 20, 1847; at Buena Vista, Cherubusco, and
Molino del Rey, September 11; and at Casa del Mata, where he
was wounded in the right foot; on the 13th of September, at the
fierce storming of Chepultepec, the key to the gates of Mexico, he
was again slightly wounded in the head, and was with the final
assault upon the last defences of the city and the triumphal entrance
into the Mexican capital. He remained with the army of occupa^.
tion until after the conclusion of peace, July 4, 1848. His regi-
ment left Mexico, in October, and was disbanded at Fort McHenry,
Baltimore, November, 1848.
After an honorable discharge, and with the commendation of his
ofiicers for faithful services, he returned to West Chester, being then
about eighteen years of age. The discovery of gold in California,
during the winter of 184S, having attracted his attention, he joined
a company of adventurers known as the Philadelphia Mining Com-
pany. Their vessel, the Clarissa Perkins, sailed in January, 1849.
After a tedious and eventful voyage around Cape Horn, they arrived
at San Francisco, having been out eight months and fourteen days.
The city at that time was a motley collection of tents and houses,
property of every description being strewn about without owners,
people having abandoned all and emigrated to the mines. This com-
pany followed the example in eager haste to reach the El Dorado.
After a varied experience at the mines on Sacramento and Ameri-
can Rivers, attended by little success, he joined Col. Fremont's ex-
ploring party for Southern California, in the Fall of 1849, but, pur-
sued by hostile Indians, the party returned to winter at Long Gulch
and engaged in mining successfully. He remained in California
until the summer of 1858, continued mining at various places, and
was connected with prospecting parties in exploring, while a wilder-
ness, most of the places that have since become noted towns and
cities peopled with numerous inhabitants, prosperous in the products
of adventurous enterprise and wealth. He was also active in the
organization of companies of mounted men for defence against
hostile Indians, who resisted the presence of the white man in his
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ORGANIZATION OP COMPANY D. 39
native wilds. The narration of these adventures, aflEbrding material
and interest for a volume, would be too extensive for the present
sketch. After ten years of pioneer life, with its attendant hardships
and exposures, Mr. Mendenhall returned to the Atlantic States in
the summer of 1858. The next two years were spent in traveling
through the Northern and Southern States. During 1860,^e was
in Texas and Alabama, while Yancey, Rhett and others were
firing the Southern heart, and was present when the • secession de-
ckration of the Montgomery convention was received with the
wildest joy by the people. The firing upon Maj. Anderson, at Fort
Sumter; the attack of the Alabama State troops on Mount Vernon
Island and the forts of Mobile harbor, and the treachery of Gen.
Twiggs, in Texas, events following in such rapid succession, deter-
mined the patriotic young democrat to choose sides in the coming
conflict involving the life of his country.
Quietly making his arrangements, he resolved to proceed north
by the first opportunity. This he effected, arriving at Wilmington,
Del, in time to join the 1st Delaware Regiment (three months' vo-
lunteers), under the first call of President Lincoln for seventy-five
thousand men, on April 26, 1861. The regiment was commanded
by Col. H. H. Lockwood, and was by the War Department sta-
tioned upon duty on the Philadelphia, Wilmington and Baltimore
Raihoad, from Havre de Grace to Baltimore, to guard the road and
bridges from interruption and keep open the line of communication
to Washington during the gathering of the army. The regiment
was disbanded, at the expiration of the three months' service, at
Wilmington, August 7, 1861.
Upon his return, at the end of that service, with the let Dela-
ware Regiment, W. S. Mendenhall was solicited, by several of his
Delaware acquaintances, to form a company for the three years'
service, in which his Delaware County friends also joined, and,
having received from Col. Guss authority to recruit a company for
the 97th Regiment, he determined to canvass in Delaware County,
with head-quarters at Concordville. Within a few days, over fifty
men signed the roll of his company, which was called the Concord-
ville Rifles, in honor of his boyhood home. A meeting was called,
at Media, on August 23, 1861, to organize the company and select
its officers. It was held at the ofiice of Jesse L. Cummins^ Esq.
The day being very wet the attendance was not large. The pro-
ceedings are here given :
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40 HISTORY OP THE NINETT-SITVENTH REGIMENT.
Media, Pa., August 23, 1861.
The persons enrolled for the formation of a company of volunteers
to form a part of the regiment being organized by Col. Henry R.
Guss, of West Chester, met, pursuant to notice, in Media, this
evening. Mr. Jesse L. Cummins was called to the chair, and Dr.
G. B. Jflotchkins appointed secretary of the meeting. The roll
being called, the following persons answered to their names: Wil-
liam S. Mendenhall, Concord ville ; George W. Williams, Crozier-
ville ; Isaac Fawkes, Dilworthtown ; Charles H. Hannum, Philip E.
Hannum, Concordville; Stephen W. Cloud, David M. Cloud, Lewis
C. Cloud, Henry H. Cloud, Harmon B. Cloud, John Jordan, Wil-
mington, Del.; Isaac B. Hannum, John Sheen, Michael Kamey,
Jesse Walters, William H. Larkin, Concord ; Joseph Russell, Bir-
mingham; Samuel Parker, Lenni; Charles S. Cloud, John F. Cloud,
Crozierville;
After some discussion in reference to the small attendance ol
the persons enrolled, it was resolved to proceed with the organiza^
tion. Nominations for officers were then made as follows: for
captain, William S. Mendenhall; for 1st lieutenant, George W.
Williams and Isaac Fawkes ; for 2d lieutenant, Isaac Fawkes and
Charles H. Hannum.
William S Mendenhall was elected captain by acclamation. On
balloting for 1st lieutenant, George W. Williams received fifteen
votes and Isaac Fawkes five votes. George W. Williams was de-
clared elected 1st lieutenant. On balloting for 2d lieutenant, Isaac
Fawkes received seven votes, and Charles H. Hannum thirteen
votes. Charles H. Hannum was declared duly elected 2d lieute-
nant. Charles H. Hannum then arose and declined the office,
stating he believed Mr. Fawkes more capable of performing the
duties of that office, and moved the re-nomination of Isaac Fawkes.
On motion, his proposition was accepted, and Isaac Fawkes was
declared unanimously elected 2d lieutenant.
On motion, a vote of thanks was unanimously given to the officers
of the meeting for their services, and to Mr. James R. Cummins for
a bountiful supper given to the company present, and for the use of
his office for the meeting. Also to Mr. Charles H. Hannum for his
patriotic conduct in giving up a valuable office for the best good of
the company.
[Signed] J. L. Cummins, Pres't.
G. B. HoTCHKiNS, Sec'y.
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ORGANIZATION OF COMPANY D. 41
This meeting having effected the organization, the enrollment
proceeded rapidly, after some stirring appeals posted throughoVit the
county and in the papers. It was found necessary to establish a
permanent rendezvous, where the enrolled men might be supplied
with subsistence and qu8rters until arrangements were made for
their muster into the service. Thirty-six men were collected and
occupied quarters in Camp Wayne, West Chester, about September
1, 1861. The sheds on the eastern side of the camp were fixed up
for barracks. Provisions, cooking utensils, and blankets for tem-
porary use, were supplied through the generosity of the citizens of
West Chester.
The first muster was had on September 6, 1861, when 1st Sergt.
Henry Odiome and thirty-nine men were mustered into the service,
at Camp Wayne, by Capt. G. Pennypacker.
On September 9, 1st Lieut. George W. Williams, of Crozierville,
who had materially assisted in recruiting the company, was mus-
tered, by the same officer, with thirteen additional men. On
the 11th, there was a muster of six men; on the 16th, ten men;
on the 18th, two men; on the 19th, three men; on the 20th,
Capt. Mendenhall and 2d Lieut. Isaac Fawkes, with six additional
men were mustered, making an aggregate of eighty-three, officers
and men, completing the organization at the minimum number and
giving the captain fourth place in rank of company officers. On
September 21, four additional men were mustered; on the 23d, seven
men; on the 24th, five men, and on the 28th, two men; making the
aggregate of one hundred and one, officers and men.
The non-commissioned officers then designated were: Ist ser-
geant, Henry Odiome; 2d sergeant, Charles H, Hannum; 3d
sergeant, Samuel McBride; 4th sergeant, John E. Davis; 5th ser-
geant, Isaac B. Taylor; 1st corporal, David W. Odiome; 2d corporal,
Stqphen W. Cloud; 3d corporal, Wilbur F. Flannery; 4th corporal,
James A. Allen; 5th corporal, William H. Snyder; 6th corporal,
William McCarty; 7th corporal, David M. Cloud; 8th corporal,
Robert Fairlamb.
To fill vacancies, caused by discharge and desertions at Camp
Wayne, there were subsequent musters as follows: on October 17,
one man; October 26, one man; November 4, one man, and
November 13, two men; making the entire muster for the company,
at West Chester, three commissioned officers and one hundred and
three men; total, one hundred and six.
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42 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
For this company, and those previously organized, the number
could have been largely increased, beyond the limit, from the
numerous applications after they were filled. Many of these appli-
cants subsequently entered other companies. Two men deserted
from Camp Wayne and were not retaken. Two were discharge d,
for disability, in October, 1861.
On October 12, 1861, the company was invited to a reception by
the citizens of Concordville, Delaware Co., and marched from West
Chester, at 9 A. M., taking the West Chester and Wilmington
plank road, a distance of eight miles, to Concordville, arriving at
11 A. M., where the company was heartily welcomed by a large
concourse of citizens assembled to greet them.
Several prominent citizens addressed the command in patriotic
speeches, which were replied to by Capt. Mendenhall and others of
the company, pledgipg the fidelity of the entire command to the
country in her time of peril and need. Much enthusiasm was mani-
fested. The men sat down to a sumptuous dinner, at 1 P. M.,
under the shade trefis. The repast was furnished by the ladies of
the vicinity, who vied with each other in attentions to the gallant
men, many of whom were never to return to revisit the scene of
this most cordial welcome, the remembrance of which lived as a
green spot in the recollections of home during the years of peril,
hardship and suflfering that foUoVed in the field.
After dinner, the company paraded and drilled to the satisfaction
of all present. About 4.30 P. M., they set out on their return
march, in the midst of a rain storm, giving nine hearty cheers
for the people of Concordville and its vicinity for their royal wel-
come. After a march of three miles, the company, well drenched
with the rain, reached Cheyney's Station, on the West Chester and
Philadelphia Railroad, where they took cars for West Chester,
arriving at Camp Wayne about 6.30 P. M., wet and tired but
greatly gratified with one of the most pleasant days in the history of
the company.
A few days after the events just noticed, Capt. Mendenhall's
Concordville friends made him a present of a handsome Colt's
revolver as a testimonial of their esteem, which he carried through
the entire service.
The time in Camp Wayne was spent in constant drill and exer-
cise, preparing the men for service in the field. About October 3,
the company was armed, uniformed and equipped for active service.
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ORGANIZATION OF COMPANY D. 43
the arms being the smooth-bore percussion muskets, received from
the Bridesburg arsenal. The average ages of the officers and men
of Company D was twenty-one years, many having a youthful ap-
pearance. It was remarked by William Whitehead, Esq., who
administered the oath of enlistment to the first forty men on the
enrollment list, " That the men looked young for soldiers." Capt.
Mendenhall replied, '*They are the best material for soldiers; they
will develop into hardy tough men." Before the close of the war,
his observation proved correct, as the hardiest men of the company
were the youngest.
About the 18th of October, Capt. Mendenhall appealed to the
people of Concord and of Delaware County, soliciting their aid
in procuring an outfit of rubber blankets to protect his men in
the winter campaign. A meeting was called at Concordville and a
subscription list started. By the earnest endeavors of Hon. Wil-
liam Gramble, Mrs. Dr. Pennock, and a host of other friends, the
company was furnished with a complete outfit of rubber blankets
before their departure for the field of duty. The roster of Com-
pany D, in another part of this work, sets forth the record of each
man, so far as could be obtained from every available source, and
will show the promotions in each grade as far as was possible to ob-
tain the dates of promotion. The personal remarks in the company
roster, enclosed in brackets, are taken from a record roll, furnished
by Capt. Mendenhall, and are given without any intention of
making invidious distinction.
About the 1st of December, 1863, at Femandina, Fla., fifty men
of Company D re-enlisted as veterans, in conformity with terms of
general orders of the War Department, Washington, D. C, No.
191, series of 1863. They were subsequently re-mustered by 1st
Lieut. M. V. B. Richardson, A. C. M. Dept. South, to date from
enrollment, December 1, 1863. They returned home, with the
veterans of the Regiment, upon veteran furlough of thirty days,
under command of Capt. W. S. Mendenhall, starting from Feman-
dina, Fla., on the 27th of March, 1864. The account of the return
is given in the narrative of the Regiment.
From a tabular statement, furnished by Capt. Mendenhall, of the
casualties in his company, the following summary is taken: Total
number mustered at Camp Wayne, three ofiicers and one hundred
and three men; total, one hundred and six. Of the enlirted men,
three deserted and two were discharged at West Chester. At the
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44 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
end of the war, of the officers and men originally enlisted, there had
been killed two commissioned officers and fourteen enlisted men;
wounded, two commissioned officers and thirty enlisted men; died
from wounds, four enlisted men ; discharged for wounds, three en-
listed men; died from sickness, nine enlisted men; discharged for
disability, one commissioned officer (resigned), and twelve enlisted
men ; transferred, one enlisted man ; discharged, at the expiration
of service, one commissioned officer, two sergeants, seven corporals
and sixteen privates; one recruit, received May 1, 1864; total ac-
counted for, one hundred and seven, officers and men. Of the fifty
re-enlisted veterans, included in above account, nine were killed,
two died of wounds, one was captured, wounded and died in rebel
prison, nineteen were wounded, one discharged for wounds, one
transferred and seventeen not injured; total, fifty. These losses
occurred chiefly before the expiration of the original term of service.
Of the twenty-three drafted men assigned to the company, at Fer-
nandina, Fla., two were killed, seven wounded, four discharged for
wounds, eight deserted and two were transferred.
Company E, Mulligan Guards.
Company E was recruited by William McConnell, a naturalized
/ citizen of the United States, bom in Caven Co., Ireland, about the
year 1827. He received an excellent education at a college in
Londonderry. He emigrated to this country, with other members
of his family, about the year 1848, settled in Philadelphia, and was
engaged in a mercantile house as clerk and book-keeper. After a
few years, he went to New York, where, in 1852, he married Eliza
Jane Jephson, of that city. He soon afterwards found employment
as a house painter. He then returned to Philadelphia, and about
1853 removed to West Chester, Pa., where he followed the oc-
cupation of painting, with diligence and success, for several years
previous to the war. He became an active member of the National
Guards, and was a thoroughly drilled soldier. He had received an
appointment as a non-commissioned officer in his company, and was
noted for accuracy and precision in the various movements of the
drill, etc.
When his company, commanded by Capt. H. R. Guss, marched to
Harrisburg, in April, 1861, to enter the three months' service, with
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ORGANIZATION OF COMPANY E. 46
a sufficient number of men enrolled to organize three companies,
he was appointed Ist sergeant of Company E, 9th Regiment P. V.,
and served in that capacity during the term, an account of which
is elsewhere given.
Upon the return and muster out of the 9th Regiment, at Harris-
burg, July 29, 1861, Sergt. McConnell was authorized, by Col. H,
R. Guss, to recruit a company for his Regiment. Upon this duty
he entered with energy and determination, about the 5th of August,
1861, and soon began to realize success. The men he enlisted were
chiefly naturalized citizens, of his native land, residents of Chester
County, who espoused the cause of their adopted country in her
conflict with treason. They generally made sturdy, reliable soldiers,
efficient in the field of battle and in the arduous trench duty that
became so largely the experience of the Regiment during the war.
On September 9, 1861, the first muster for the company was
made, by Maj. G. Pennypacker, of thirty men; on the 11th, nine
men were mustered; on the 14th, one man; on the 16th, two men;
on the 16th, ten men; on the 18th, seven men; on the 20th, one
man; on the 21st, three men; on the 23d, six men; on the 24th, one
man, an aggregate of seventy men, when John W. Babb, of West
Chester, was mustered as 1st lieutenant of the company. On the
20th of September, Capt. McConnell collected his men, sixty having
been mustered, and occupied the barracks on the eastern side of
Camp Wayne. Additional musters were made each day, as recruits
were enlisted. On 2d of October, the number had reached eighty-
two, when Capt. McConnell was mustered, and the company desig-
nated as Company E, 97th Pennsylvania Volunteers, it being the
sixth company organized. John McGrath, of West Chester, was
also mustered, on the 2d of October, as 2d lieutenant. The officers
and non-commissioned officers were as follows: captain, William
McConnell, West Chester; 1st lieutenant, John W. Babb, West
Chester; 2d lieutenant, John McGrath, West Chester; 1st sergeant,
James McWilliams; 2d sergeant, Samuel D. Smith; 3d sergeant,
James Coughlin; 4th sergeant, John McNamee; 6th sergeant,
Patrick Carter; 1st corporal, George L. Smith; 2d corporal,
Edward Corcoran; 3d corporal, Greorge Jenkins; 4th corporal,
Bernard McDermott; 5th corporal, William Glanding; 6th corpo-
ral, James O. Day; 7th corporal, John Sullivan; 8th corporal,
William H. Spicer; musicians, Charles Riley, Jr., and Hugh
ODonnell, Jr.; wagoner, Jonathan Pine.
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46 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
The militia name adopted by the company was Mulligan Guards.
The company was filled to the maximum number, October 29, seven-
teen men having been mustered subsequent to October 2; on No-
vember 8 and December 26, two additional men were mustered to
fill vacancies from desertions. One of these, enlisted by 1st Lieut.
Taylor, of Company H, joined the company, at Warsaw Sound,
Ga., July 15, 1862. On February 10, 1862, another recruit, Francis
Carter, was enlisted at West Chester, Pa., and forwarded to the com-
pany with other ;recruits ; he was subsequently promoted to corporal,
re-enlisted as a veteran volunteer, in February, 1864; was captured
in action, near Petersburg, Va., July 16, 1864; was prisoner until
December 21, 1864, and died at Annapolis, Md., December 30,
1864, while a paroled prisoner of war. The men of Company E
were of a hearty, robust physique, and many of them, after re-
ceiving the benefit of careful training by Capt. McConnell and his
ofiicers, made very good soldiers; but the climate of the South
proved more disastrous to this company than to some of the others,
the men seeming to be more subject to the chills and with prevalent
tendency to chronic diarrhoea. Those who remained able for duty
were very effective soldiers, both in the field and at fatigue duty
upon the lines of intrenchment and earthworks.
On April 26, 1862, 1st Lieut. John H. Babb resigned, on account
of failing health from climatic influence. 2d Lieut. John McGrath
was then promoted to Ist lieutenant and 4th Sergt. John McNamee
was promoted to 2d lieutenant. He served until May 9, 1863, when
he resigned, and was honorably discharged on surgeon's certificate
of Usability. 1st Sergt. James McWilliams was then promoted to
2d lieutenant. At Femandina, Fla., in February, 1864, twenty-six
men of Company E re-enlisted as veterans and went home on fur-
lough for thirty days. The names of these men appear on the
company roster marked " Vet.^*
Owing to failing health, from exposure during the arduous duties
in the department of the South, Capt. McConnell was honorably
discharged, April 28, 1864, when the Regiment reached Hilton
Head, S. C, e7i route to join Gen. Butler's command, at Gloucester
Point, Va. He returned home and became somewhat improved in
health, but he never fully recovered. He died at his home, in West
Chester, Pa., August 14, 1866, of hemorrhage of bowels, resulting
from the effects of long prostration from chronic diarrhoea.
Upon the resignation of Capt. McConnell, there was no pro-
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ORGANIZATION OF COMPANY F. 47
motion to fill the vacancy. 1st Lieut. McGrath cominanded the
company for a time; but, being detailed upon duty in the quarter-
master and commissary departments, the company was mostly com-
manded by 2d Lieut. Mc Williams until his discharge, November 3,
1864. 1st Lieut. John McGrath was discharged on account of ex-
piration of term of service, November 10, 1864. The original men
of the company, who had not re-enlisted, were discharged as their
terms of service expired, and returned to their homes, being fur-
nished with transportation to the place of enlistment.
Ist Sergt. Samuel D. Smith was promoted to 1st lieutenant,
December 6, 1864, and commanded the company during the re-
mainder of the service. He was commissioned and mustered as
captain of the company, May 1, 1865, and continued its com-
manding officer until mustered out, August 28, 1865. On May 1,
1st Sergt. John C. Nicholson was mustered ^s 1st lieutenant and
Sergt. John Sullivan as 2d lieutenant. These officers were mustered
out with the company, August 28, 1864, having received their pro-
motion for gallant and meritorious service at Fort Fisher, N. C.
There has been no complete record found of the dates of pro-
motions of the non-commissioned officers from which a correct list
could be made, or it would have been given. It is believed that
the roster of the company will show the names of all who were thus
promoted, in the different grades, but some dates are necessarily
omitted.
Company F, National Guards.
The sixth company of the 97th Regiment was recruited by De
Witt Clinton Lewis, of West Chester, Pa. His paternal grand-
fether, Phineas Lewis, bom in Chester Co., Pa., was the son of a
Welsh emigrant, James Lewis, who came to this country previous
to the Revolution. He became a soldier in the American army and
served during the War of Independence. The grandmother of
Capt. Lewis, also of Welsh descent, was one of the survivors of the
massacre at Wyoming, having escaped by drifting down the Susque-
hanna, the night after, in a flat-boat. His grandfather, on his
mother's side, Patrick McKennin, a Scotch-Irishman, who came to
this country before the Revolution, also became a soldier in the
American army and served during the war. He was wounded at
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48 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
the battle of Brandywine, He died at the age of ninety years.
Mary, his wife, was d German girl, who came to this country when
quite young, and was sold by the captain of the vessel, for payment
of her passage, as was often the case at that period.
Capt. Lewis' father was Benjamin Lewis, of Chester Co., Pa.,
somewhat extensively known as a school teacher, and, during the
last few years of his life, engaged at Gause's Academy, on the
Brandywine, near Marshalton. He died at the age of twenty-eight
years. His mother, Margaret (McKennin) Lewis, was born in
Chester Co., and died at the age of seventy-eight years. De W. C.
Lewis was bom near West Chester, Pa., on the 30th of July, 1822.
After the death of his father, he lived with the family of Joseph
Taylor, father of Bayard Taylor, during the boyhood of the poet,
until sixteen years of age, aft;er which he learned the trade of a
carpenter with Samuel Way, at West Chester, Pa. Having a liking
for a military life, at the age of eighteen, he joined a volunteer
company in West Chester, called the National Grays, commanded
by Capt. William Apple. He continued an active member until the
company was disbanded, in 1842.
On the breaking out of the war with Mexico, in 1846, he joined,
as one of its first members, a company called the National Guards,
raised by Capt. William Apple, who had commanded the National
Grays. The company was designed to form a part of the State
quota, tendered its services and was accepted by the State authori-
ties and designated as a part of the 3d Regiment Pennsylvania
Volunteers, but was not called into active service. The company
continued its organization, Mr. Lewis remaining an active member
until the rebellion occurred, it being the same company of which
Capt. H. R. Guss became the commanding officer, in June, 1859.
When the services of the company were accepted, for the three
months' term, in April, 1860, Mr. Lewis marched with it, as a
private soldier, to Harrisburg, Pa., and, upon the organization of
two other companies of the men enlisted by Capt. Guss, Mr. Lewis
was elected 1st lieutenant of Capt. James F. Andrews' Company E,
in the 9th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served with the
company until its discharge, at Harrisburg, Pa., July 29, 1861. He
then returned to West Chester with his discharged comrades. On
August 4, 1861, Lieut. Lewis received authority, from Col. H. R.
Guss, to recruit a company for his Regiment, and soon after entered
upon the work of enlistment. By the 23d of September, he had
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ORGANIZATION OF COMPANY F. 49
fifty-six men enrolled, who were, on that day, mustered into the
service of the United States by Maj. G. Pennypacker, with Joseph
T. Burnett, of West Chester, as 1st lieutenant. These recruits, in
chaise of Lieut. Burnett, after being mustered, went into quarters
in Camp Wayne, and occupied the barracks on the north side of
the camp, from the east corner, adjoining the quarters of the guard
established at the entrance. On the 3d of October, having a suffi-
cient number of men enlisted, the remaining officers were then
mustered into the service by Maj. Pennypacker: De W. C. Lewis,
as captain, and Oliver E. Strickland, of West Chester, as 2d lieute-
nant, and the company designated Company F, 97th Regiment P.
\'. The militia name adopted by the company was the National
Guards, after the former company of which Capt. Lewis and several
of the men had been members.
The company was filled to the maximum number about the 15th
of October, 1861. The men were mostly residents of Chester
county. They received the usual outfit of clothing, etc., soon after
being mustered, and the camp and garrison equipage was fur-
nished when the company was. fully organized. Arms were not issued
to Company F, at Camp Wayne, the company having been per-
mitted to use those belonging to the Old National Guards, of
West Chester, while it remained at that place. The same attention
to drill and discipline, and exercise in the various preliminary move-
ments requisite to the thorough training of the soldier, as has been
described in regard to the other companies, was also maintained by
Capt. Lewis and his officers, in order to prepare their men for effi-
cient service in the field.
The" following named were the original non-commissioned officers
of Company F: 1st sergeant, John Wainwright; 2d sergeant,
Thomas Cosgriff; 3d sergeant, John Kennedy; 4th sergeant,
Thomas B. Guest; 5th sergeant, J. Elwood Huntsman; 1st corporal,
Thomas H. Short; 2d corporal, Lee A. Stroud; 3d corporal, James
T. Terry; 4th corporal, Caleb Mercer; 5th corporal, John Weber;
6th corporal, Daniel Farrell; 7th corporal, James A. Fries; 8th
corporal, Edward Townsend; musicians, Thomas St. John and Jesse
Opperman; teamster, James D. Roberts. Eighty-one privates;
total, one hundred men.
On the 8th of Januar)% 1862, at Hilton Head, S. C, 2d Lieut.
0. E. Stickland resigned, on account of failing health, and was
honorably discharged. To fill the vacancy, Isi Sergt. John Wain-
4
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50 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
Wright was promoted to 2d lieutenant. 1st Lieut. Joseph T. Bur-
nett resigned, for the same cause, and was honorably discharged, at
Hilton Head, S. C, on March 9, 1865. 2d Lieut. John Wainwright
was then promoted to 1st lieutenant, and 1st Sergt. Thomas Cos-
griff to 2d lieutenant.
On February 29, 1864, at Fernandina, Fla., forty-five men of the
company re-enlisted as veterans for the war, and were re-mustered
on March 15, 1864, by 1st Lieut. M. V. B. Richards, 4th N. H. V.
A. C. M. Department of the South, to rank from February 28, 1864,
and December 31, 1863, the days previous to enrollment of the men
as veterans. Their names are marked " VeC^ on the roster of the
Regiment.. These men received a furlough of thirty days, and re-
turned home with the other veterans of the Regiment.
No other changes occurred in the commissioned officers of the
company until the expiration of Capt. Lewis' term of service, when
he was honorably discharged, September 20, 1864. Previous to his
discharge, Capt. Lewis was in temporary command of Company A,
for a short period, during the absence of the officers of that com-
pany, all of whom had been wounded. On the 28th of August,
1864, he signed the muster-out-rolls of thirty-one of the original-*
men of Company A whose term of service had expired. Capt.
Lewis returned home, about the end of September, 1864, with the
men of his company whose terms had also expired.
1st Lieut. John Wainwright was commissioned captain of Com-
pany F, to date from November 1, 1864, but was not mustered, as
he then desired to be mustered out of service. 2d Lieut. Thomas
Cosgriff was mustered out of service, March 28, 1865, on account
of expiration of term of service. On February 28, 1865, Sergt.
Lewis P. Malin was commissioned captain of the company and
Sergt. Isaac J. Nichols as 1st lieutenant, both having been pro-
moted to corporal and to sergeant after re-enlistment as veterans.
They continued in their respective commands until mustered out
with the Regiment, at Weldon, N. C, August 28, 1865. On May
1, 1865, John E. Huntsman, 5th sergeant of the company, who had
also re-enlisted as a veteran, was commissioned as 2d lieutenant,
and continued to hold that position until the end of the service.
These were well-deserved promotions of faithful and brave soldiers.
Capt. Malin, having commanded the company at Fort Fisher, had
received brevet promotion for gallantry in that action. The re-
maining changes and promotions of the non-commissioned officers
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ORGANIZATION OP COMPANY G. 61
have been noted as far as ascertained upon the roster, it being found
difficult to obtain the exact order in which they occurred, so as to
present them in this place. Company F was also part of the force,
with Company B, that received the impetuous attack of the rebel
advance upon our position, at Grimball's Plantation, on June 10,
1862, and vied with the other troops present in the stubborn re-
sistance that resulted in maintaining their ground and repulsing the
enemy with heavy loss.
On October 25, 1862, Company F detailed a funeral escort, at
U. S. General Hospital, Hilton Head, S. C, for Private J. Lind, of
Company E, 47th P. V., and on October 28, 1862, one for a
private of Company F, 47th P. V. On January 14, 1863, Com-
pany F was detailed on special duty in engineer's department, at St.
Helena, Special Order No. 1, to report to Lieut. Edwards, N. Y.
Engineers, Superintendent of Constmction, engaged in building a
wharf at St. Helena, was relieved, February 23, 1863, and rejoined
the Regiment, at Hilton Head, S. C.
On February 9, 1864, part of Company F, under command of
Capt. Lewis, embarked on the steamer Island City, and proceeded
up the Nassau River, Fla., to furnish support to Maj. Penny packer's
advance against Camp Cooper. The company also made a raid
into Georgia, from Woodstock Mills, to destroy the telegraph con-
nection from Tallahassee, Fla., to Savannah, Ga., which was success-
fully accomplished, after a march of nearly twenty miles, capturing
a rebel mail rider by the way. The return march was accelerated
by the approach of a part of the rebel Gen. Clinch's command.
The company also made a reconnoissance up the St. Mary's River,
in March, 1864, for the purpose of obtaining some mill fixtures for
use in the department.
Company G, Broomall Guards.
Company G was recruited in Delaware Co., Pa., by Jesse L.
Cammins, fourth son of George and Matilda Babb Cummins, who
was bom in the township of Upper Providence, Delaware Co., Pa ,
in 1840. His father dying while he was quite young placed him
abnost upon his own resources. He early exhibited great precision
as a marksman, and a desire for the experiences of hunting and
frontier life. With an elder brother, he went West during his
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52 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
minority. They together encountered, in a log house, on Eden
Prairie, one of the severest of Minnesota winters, cooking and
baking for themselves. Jesse returned home before the commence-
ment of the rebellion, and began to develop business qualifications,
energy and order. Not having selected a tra(ie, he was induced to
enter the law office of Hon. John M. Broomall, vrtth whom he
studied law, at Media, Delaware Co., and had just entered upon
the practice of his profession, at that place, when the rebellion
occurred. At the first call of the President for troops, he enlisted
as a private in Company I, 9th Regiment P. V., in the three
months' service. The company was commanded by Capt. H. B.
Edwards, of Chester, Pa., and served with Gen. R. Patterson's com-
mand, in Maryland and Virginia. At the expiration of its term,
he was discharged at Harrisburg, Pa., on July 29, 1861. Capt.
Cummins was authorized, by Col. H. R. Guss, to recruit a company
for his Regiment, on August 25, 1861. He commenced to recruit
his company about September 1. The men enlisted were mostly
from the vicinity of Media and Chester, in Delaware County. By
October 15, 1861, an aggregate of eighty-three men being enlisted,
they were mustered into the service of the United States, at Camp
Wayne, West Chester, by Maj. G. Pennypacker, with the following
named officers: captain, Jesse L. Cummins, Media, Del. Co.; Ist
lieutenant, Caleb Hoopes, Upper Providence, Del. Co.; 2d lieute-
nant, Joseph M. Borrell, Media, Del. Co.; 1st sergeant, Reuben H.
Smith, M. D.; 2d sergeant, William H. Eves; 3d sergeant, John C.
Morton; 4th sergeant, William M. Collom; 5th sergeant, Thomas
J. McMullen; 1st corporal, Gasway O. Yamall; 2d corporal, Wil-
liam N. Baker; 3d corporal, Thomas J. Wade; 4th corporal,
William H. Cox; 5th corporal, Harry G. Yocum; 6th corporal,
Israel Oat; 7th corporal, Simon Litzenberg; 8th corporal, Reece L.
Weaver; musicians, Jonathan S. Farra and George W. Ross; team-
ster, Enoch Dunlap.
The company was filled to the maximum number about Novem-
ber 16, and, from the time of its muster, occupied quarters in
the barracks, on the north side of Camp Wayne, adjoining Com-
pany F. Being the seventh organized, it became Company G in
the 97th Regiment. The militia name adopted was Broomall
Guards, in compliment to Hon. John M. Broomall Member of Con-
gress from the 7th Congressional District, and a resident of the lo-
cality from which the company was recruited.
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VACANCIES AND PROMOTIONS IN COMPANY G. 53
On December 21, 1861, 5th Corp. Harry G. Yocum died, at
Fortress Monroe, Va. On January 1, 1862, 3d Sergt. John C.
Morton was transferred to Company I, at his own request. The 4th
and 5th sergeants were advanced, 1st Corp. Yarnall appointed 5th
sergeant and the other corporals promoted. Privates Albin Edwards
and Eli B. Grubb were appointed 7th and 8th corporals.
Capt. Cummins commanded his company until May 1, 1862,
when, owing to failing health, from exposure and climatic influences,
he resigned and was honorably discharged, at Edisto Island, S. C,
Special Order No. 53, Department of the South, approved by Maj.
Gen. D. Hunter, commanding the department. He then returned
home and became somewhat improved in health, after a tour through
the Western States. On June 17, 1863, he again enlisted as a
private in Capt. Joseph Pratt's Company I, 29th Regiment Penn-
sylvania Militia, called out for the emergency when Lee invaded
Pennsylvania. He served with that company until August 1, 1863,
when he was mustered out of service, with the company, at Harris-
barg. Pa., by Capt. M. A. Kerr, 1st U. S. Arty., mustering officer.
Capt. Cummins was also drafted by the district authorities about
July 23, 1863. (In view of his having three times entered the ser-
vice as a volunteer, how his name could have been placed upon the
draft list is unaccountable.) Upon his application for exemption,
on the ground of three voluntary enlistments, together with physical
disability, a certificate of exemption was given him by Capt. E. L.
Christman, provost marshal of the district.
Being afflicted with pulmonary consumption, his health soon
began to fail rapidly. He died, at Media, near his birth place,
December 21, 1866. He had married aft;er his discharge from the
97th Regiment. His wife survived him but a short time, leaving a
son, James R. Cummins, Jr., now under the care of his uncle, James
R Cummins, of Media.
The vacancy in the command of Company G, for reasons satis-
bctoij to the colonel commanding, was filled by the promotion of
the senior 1st lieutenant of the Regiment, Louis Y. Evans, of Com-
pany A, to captain, to rank from May 1, 1862.
Ist Corp. William N. Baker was discharged. May 25, 1862, and
44 Corp. Isaac Oat died, August 10, 1862. 1st Sergt. Dr. Reuben
H. Smith was promoted to hospital steward, September 4, 1862.
2d Sergt. William H. Eves was promoted to 1st sergeant. The re-
maining non-commissioned officers had been duly advanced. 1st
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54 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
corporal Thomas J. Wade became 5th sergeant. To fill the other
vacancies, Privates John Doyle, Hillary Fox and Henry Hoofstiteler
were appointed. The date and order of subsequent promotions of
non-commissioned officers of the company could not be accurately
ascertained. The record gives such as could be found. Capt.
Evans continued in command until October 23, 1862, when he re-
signed and was honorably discharged on account of ill health. 1st
Lieut. Caleb Hoopes was then promoted to captain and was the
commanding officer of the company until his discharge, at the ex-
piration of his term of service, October 17, 1864.
To fi.ll the vacancy occasioned by the promotion of 1st Lieut.
Hoopes, 4th Sergt. G. O. Yarnall was commissioned 1st lieutenant,
October 23, 1862. 2d Lieut. Joseph M. Borrell thereupon tendered
his resignation, which, being accepted at department head-quarters,
on November 13, 1862, he was accordingly discharged. 1st Sergt.
William H. Eves was then promoted to 2d lieutenant, but, ovsdng to
delay in receiving his commission, he was not mustered until July
1, 1863. Lieuts. Yarnall and Eves served with the company until
the expiration of the term of service, October 22, 1864, and were
honorably discharged. Lieut. Yarnall held the position of post
ordnance officer, at Fort Clinch, Fernandina, Fla., from October 7,
1863, until April 23, 1864, and was acting ordnance officer of Ar-
tillery Brigade, 10th A. C-., from July 2 to October 14, 1864, when
he was discharged on account of expiration of term of service.
Lieut. Eves was wounded, near Petersburg, Va., July 10, 1864.
He was frequently in command of his company while on active duty
at the front, during the Virginia campaign, and was conspicuous for
gallantry and bravery in action. Being in command of his company,
at New Market Road, September 29, 1864, and at Darby Town,
October 7, 1864, he received honorable mention in Gen. Butler's
congratulatory order to the Army of the James, dated October 11,
1864. He was also recommended for promotion to the Governor
of Pennsylvania. This recognition of his services was well de-
served, as during the entire service he was regarded by all his
commandihg officers as a most faithful untiring officer, always
found at his post of duty.
The term of service of officers and men, originally enlisted in this
company, expired about the middle of October, 1864, and they were
accordingly discharged and returned home. Thirty-five had re-
enlisted as veterans for the war, in accordance with orders already
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ORGANIZATION OF COMPANY H. 55
Specified. Their names will be found upon the roster of the com-
pany, designated " VeL^^ Corp. Cheyney T. Haines was promoted
to sergeant major, September 18, 1864, and Corp. Washington W.
James to commissary sergeant, April 1, 1865.
After the discharge of the orginal officers of Company G, Sergt.
Maj. Cheyney T. Haines was commissioned 1st lieutenant of the
company, December 1, 1864. He was mortally wounded in action
at Fort Fisher, N. C, January 15, 1865, and died on the same day,
having been breveted captain for gallantry during the assault.
Com. Sergt. Washington W. James was commissoned captain
of Company G, May 1, 1865, and continued to be the commanding
officer until the muster out of the Regiment, at Weldon, N. C,
August 28, 1865. 1st Sergt. Isaiah Bird was commissioned 1st
lieutenant, May 1, 1865, and Sergt. Jeremiah Yoast, 2d lieutenant,
same date. These officers also served in their respective grades
during the remainder of the service.
Company H, Greble Guards.
About the middle of August, 1861, Charles Mcllvaine, of
Springton, near Waynesburg, Chester Co., Pa., offered to raise a
company of volunteers for acceptance by the War Department.
This offer was accepted by the Secretary of War, in the following
letter, dated:
War Department, August 30, 1861.
Capt. Charles McIlvaine, Brandywine Manor, Chester Co., Pa.
Sir: The company of infantry, one hundred and one men, which
you offer, is accepted for three years, or during the war provided
you have it ready for marching orders in thirty days.
This acceptance is with the distinct understanding that this
Department will revoke the commissions of all officers who may
be found incompetent for the proper discharge of their duties.
Your men will be mustered into the service of the United
States, in accordance vnth General Orders Nos. 58 and 61, from
this Department. You are at liberty to attach the company to any
of the regiments now forming in Pennsylvania, with the consent of
the colonel commanding.
Very respectfiilly, Thomas A. Scott,
Assistant Secretary of War.
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56 HISTORY OP THE NINETr-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
Capt. Mcllvaine was the only surviving son of Hon. Abraham
Robinson Mcllvaine, a prominent citizen of Chester Co., who was
elected to represent the 7th Congressional District, then composed
of Chester Co., Pa., and took his seat at the commencement of the
Twenty-eighth Congress, being afterwards re-elected for three suc-
cessive Congresses. He was a member of the House of Representa^
tives of Pennsylvania, in 1836 and 1837, and declined a nomination
to the State Senate, in 1838, his private affairs demanding his entire
attention. In 1840, he was the representative of his district in the
Electoral College of Pennsylvania, casting his vote for the success-
ful candidates for the Presidency and Vice-Presidency. In June,
1840, he was nominated for a vacancy in the State Legislature,
but the Speaker of the House withholding the order, the special
election was not held.
Mr. Mcllvaine entered Congress as a member of the old Whig
party, an ardent supporter of the pohcy of a protective tariff, and
stood among the earhest and most constant opponents of the an-
nexation of Texas, taking the position " that annexation would be
unconstitutional, injurious to the interests of the free States, as it
tended to extend and perpetuate slavery and to involve the country
in war." He subsequently took strong ground in opposition to
the prosecution of the aggressive war against Mexico, and in a
speech delivered in the House of Representatives, on June 18, 1846,
ably presented the aggressive attitude of the Administration in in-
volving the country in war without authority of law and in viola^
tion of the Constitution. The constituents of Mr. Mcllvaine fully
sustained his course in Congress in both public and private expres-
sions.*
In 1848, and for several successive years, he was President of the
Agricultural Society of Chester and Delaware Counties, and for
many years was Vice-President of the Pennsylvania State Agricul-
tural Society. He possessed the personal esteem of men of all
parties, the excellence of his private character being recognized by
all within reach of its influence. He died August 22, 1863, aged
about seventy years.f
♦History of Congress, Biographical and Political, by Henry G. Wheeler,
1848.
f This family of Mcllvaine is descended from Allan's Mcllvaine, who, in 1520,
secured from Queen Mary the grant of lands in Upper and Nether Orimmet, in
Ayr, Scotland. He was the first Laird of Grimmet. Two of his sons fell in
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ORGANIZATION OF COMPANY H. 57
Charles McHvaine was born at Springton farm, one of the original
Penn manors, near Waynesburg, Chester Co., Pa., May 31, 1840.
His early education was received, under the guidance of his father
and a private instructor, at home. At the age of ten, he entered
the Northwest Grammar School, in Philadelphia, and passed
through its course, before attaining the age of twelve, at a sacrifice
of health which required a suspension of his studies. Having
access to his father's library, and inheriting one from his grand-
fether, with a strong desire to acquire knowledge, he had oppor-
tunity for pursuing earnestly his studies at home. In this he was
encouraged by his parents, whose liberality enabled him to add quite
extensively to his library. At the age of eighteen, he entered an
engineer corps, then making the survey for the Brandywine and
Waynesburg Railroad, as chainman. After one year of service in
that capacity, he was promoted to the position of division engineer
and placed in charge of the upper division of the above-named road,
in which service he was engaged when the rebellion occurred.
Upon the acceptance, by the Secretary of War, of his offer to raise
a company for the service, he commenced to recruit his company,
after having arranged with Col. Guss to attach it to the 97th
Kegiment. Bills were struck off and posted all over the country
about Springton, Waynesburg and villages along the Welsh Moun-
tain and Conestoga Valley, and meetings called at the places
designated. As fast as recruits were obtained, they were taken to
Camp Wayne, at West Chester, and mustered into the service, by
Maj. G. Pennypacker. The men occupied quarters on the south
side of the camp. After quite a number of recruits had been ob-
tained by Capt. Mcllvaine, it was decided to unite his men with
those enlisted by David Jones, of West Chester, who had served as
1st Ueutenant of Company F, 9th Regiment, in the three months'
service, who had also been authorized by Col. Guss to recruit for
the Regiment; thus aggregating eighty-three officers and men, the
number necessary for the organization of the eighth company, of
which Charles Mcllvaine was mustered as captain, on October 17,
1861, and David Jones as 1st lieutenant; the understanding being
the battle of Faoshawe, and two of bis graodchildren were in tbe following of
the Earl of Casselis, at Lady Care, in 1601. Tbe family were known as Cove-
ntoters, iind suffered terribly in tbe persecution of tbe Scotih Presbyterians, by
tbe King's troops, wbich caused tbeir emigration to Ireland, wbere tbey re-
otoincd about one generation.
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58 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
had that Lieut. Jones was to be regimental quarter-master. Thomas
S. Taylor, of West Chester, was mustered as 2d lieutenant.
The company was called the Greble Guards, in honor of the brave
officer of that name who fell at Big Bethel. The non-commissioned
officers were: 1st sergeant, El wood P. Baldwin; 2d sergeant, Jeffer-
son T. Massey; 3d sergeant, George A. Lemaistre; 4th sergeant,
Joseph H. Walton; 5th sergeant, William Garver; 1st corporal,
Thomas John; 2d corporal, John A" Russell; 3d corporal, George
W. Bums; 4th corporal, Robert S. Keene, Jr.; 5th corporal, George
H. Dumall; 6th corporal, Thomas J. Henderson; 7th corporal,
WiUiara F. Smith; 8th corporal, Abner Evans.
The company did not receive arms at Camp Wayne, but was
drilled in the step, march, etc., by its officers, with the same dili-
gence and attention given by officers of the other companies.
On the 29th of October, 1861, Capt Mcllvaine was notified, by
Hon. Simon Cameron, Secretary of War, of his appointment, by the
President of the United States, as captain in the 19th Infantry, U.
S. A., to rank from that date, with orders, in case of his acceptance
of the appointment, to report in person for orders, to the colonel
of that regiment, at Indianapolis, Ind.
In consideration of his promise to the men enrolled by him, to
remain in the service with them, his acceptance of this appoint-
ment was qualified by a request to be permitted to remain in the
volunteer service, during the term of his enlistment, which being
granted by the Secretary of War, he continued in command of his
company.
On October 31, 1861, 1st Lieut. David Jones was mustered, as
regimental quarter-master, by Lieut. Col. C. F. Ruff, U. S. commis-
sary of muster. 2d Lieut. Thomas S. Taylor was promoted to the
vacancy, November 5, and 1st Sergt. Elwood P. Baldwin was pro-
moted to 2d lieutenant, to which grade both were mustered by Maj.
G. Pennypacker, on that date. 2d Sergt. Jefferson T. Massey was'
then appointed 1st sergeant. 3d Sergt. Lemaistre was promoted to
sergeant-major of the Regiment, and transferred to the non-com-
missioned staff. Corps. John and Russell were promoted to ser-
geants, and Privates James McConnell and Thomas W. Durnall to
7th and 8th corporals.
On the arrival, at Fernandina, Fla., March 5, 1862, Company
H, under command of Capt. Mcllvaine, established the first picket
line outside the town, and came upon a masked battery intended
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VACANCIES AND PROxMOTIONS IN COMPANF H. 59
for protection of the retreating rebels toward Harrison's Landing,
who, in their haste, had left two guns in position, which were
brought in by the company. At Jacksonville, the company took
part in the arduous picket duty and night skirmishing performed
by the 97th Regiment. Soon after entering upon active service,
the regulation hat, scales, etc., were mostly discarded by the other
companies, on account of their inconvenience and imposing unne?-
cessary labor upon the men. By hard work, Capt. Mcllvaine had
required his men to retain them, and, from the company fund, pro-
vided the men with gloves and other articles that added to their
personal appearance, the company being favorably noticed, in these
respects, by Gen. Wright, the brigade commander, at a grand
review, at Hilton Head, S. C, by Gen. Hunter. Upon making
his head-quarters at Seabrook, in North Edisto, Gen. Wright
selected Company H as guard at head-quarters, April 25, 1862,
and retained it upon that duty until the march toward James
Island. The company then formed part of the rear guard, and was
a part of the force left to guard the passage of a creek on James
Island, about five miles south of Legareeville, S. C.
On April 29, 1862, 1st Lieut. Thomas S. Taylor resigned, on
account of ill health, and was honorably discharged. 2d Lieut.
Elwood P. Baldwin was then promoted to 1st lieutenant and Sergt.
Maj. George A. Lemaistre was promoted to 2d lieutenant of the
company.
On November 5, 1862, 1st Lieut. Elwood P. Baldwin resigned, on
account of failing health, and was honorably discharged. He sub-
sequently recovered and re-enlisted as a private in this company, as
will appear in the record. There was no immediate promotion to
fill the vacancy.
On April 29, 1863, while serving upon the staff of Gen. Terry,
Capt Mcllvaine made application for a leave of absence for twenty
days, on account of a severe bronchial affection. This application
was forwarded to the department head-quarters, by Gren. A. H.
Terry, with the following endorsement:
Hi). QuAR. U. S. Forces, Hilton Head, S. C, April 28, 1863.
Capt. Mcllvaine is a most excellent and faithful officer, and fully
deserving of any indulgence which the interest of the service will
permit. Although in feeble health, suffering from bronchial disease,
he has remained on duty at the sacrifice of health and comfort.
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60 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
for the purpose of accompanying his regiment in the late movement
on Charleston. I respectfully commend his application to the favor-
able consideration of the major general commanding.
[Signed] A. H. Terry,
Brig. Gen. Comdg. Post.
The leave of absence being approved at department head-quarters,
Capt. Mcllvaine went north and returned at its expiration.
About June 12, 1863, having previously tendered his resignation,
on account of continued ill health, he received the following dis-
charge :
Hd. Qrs. Deft. South, Hilton Head, S. C, June 10, 1863.
Special Order. No. 327.
Par. Vni. ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
Capt. Charles Mcllvaine, 97th Pa. Vols., having tendered his
resignation, on the ground of ill health, and having been approved
by the medical director, Department South, the same is hereby ac-
cepted, to take effect this date.
Capt. Mcllvaine is accordingly honorably discharged the military
service of the United States.
By command of Maj. Gen. D. Hunter:
[Signed] Israel R. Sealy,
1st Lieut. 47th N. Y. Vols, A. A. A. Gen.
He also resigned the captaincy in the 19th Infantry, U. S. A.,
which had been held open for his acceptance, after discharge from
the volunteer service.
Before the notice of discharge was received, Capt. Mcllvaine was
tendered the appointment of a majority in the 1st South Carolina
Volunteers, by Lieut. Col. M. S. Littlefield, commanding 1st South
Carolina Volunteers, which appointment he decided to accept. He
received orders from Gen. Hunter, detailing him for duty with the
1st South Carolina Volunteers, with directions to report to Col.
Littlefield, at Morris Island, to recruit for that regiment. Upon
the acceptance of his resignation, however, he determined to return
north for the benefit of his failing health. The vacancy in Com-
pany H, caused by the resignation of Capt. Mcllvaine, was filled
by the promotion of 2d Lieut. George A. Lemjustre to captain, to
rank from June 11, 1863. Owing to active operations in the de-
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VACANCIES AND PROMOTIONS IN COMPANY H. 61
partment and upon Morris Island, and the invasion of Pennsyl-
vania, by Gen. Lee, there was considerable delay in commissions
being received from that State. Capt. Lemaistre was, therefore,
prevented from muster. He continued to command the company as
2d Ueutenant. At Hilton Head, S. C, April 13, 1863, Company
H, under command of 2d Lieut. George A. Lemaistre, was detailed
for provost guard duty, with orders to report to Capt. Z. H. Robin-
son, 9th Maine Volunteers, provost marshal. The company moved
its quarters within the provost guard camp, being dropped for the
time from the regimental morning reports. The company remained
upon that duty until released by orders, the date of which has not
been retained.
At Femandina, Fla., the company was stationed, under the com-
mand of Capt. Lemaistre, at Old Town, where it remained upon
duty while at that post. In the action at Green Plains, Bermuda
Hundred, Va., on May 20, 1864, Capt. Lemaistre was severely
wounded in the arm and disabled from further service, and, being
absent from his command on account of wounds, he was not
mustered as captain. He was honorably discharged, September 20,
1864, at the expiration of his term of service.
Thirty-two men of the company had re-enlisted as veterans for
the war and were re-mustered, by Lieut. M. V. B. Richards, with
two others of the Regiment. The subsequent promotions were
made from those who re-enlisted. On May 1, 1864, Sergt. George
H. Durnall was promoted to 1st lieutenant of the company and, on
May 10, Sergt. Lewis H. Watkin was promoted to 2d lieutenant.
The commissions of these officers had just reached the Regiment
when it went into action, at Green Plains, Va., previous to their
being mustered. Both were killed in the memorable charge upon
Gen. Pickett's division, which swept down so many of the bravest
and best of the Regiment. Durnall and Watkin had been selected
for promotion in recognition of faithful service. They were young
men of much promise, beloved by all the Regiment. Their bodies
were never recovered, as they fell upon a portion of the field of
which the enemy retained possession. The next promotions in the
company were those of Sergt. Theodore M. Smedley to 1st lieute-
nant, August 8, 1864, and Sergt. Phares P. Brown to 2d lieute-
nant, September 21, 1864. On April 5, 1865, 1st Lieut. Smedley
was promoted to captain, to rank from December 5, 1864, and 2d
lieut. Brown to Ist lieutenant, to rank from same date. Sergt.
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62 HISTORY OP THE l^INETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
Isaac L. Dutton was promoted, May 1, 1865, to 2d lieutenant.
These officers held their respective positions during the remainder
of the service, and were mustered out with the Regiment, August
28, 1865. Capt. Smedley was wounded in the charge upon Fort
Fisher, N. C, January 15, 1866, and was appointed brevet captain,
in orders, for gallantry in command of his company during the
action.
Company I, Brooke Guards.
This company was recruited by George W. Hawkins, of Dela-
ware Co., Pa., assisted by Sketchly and Annesley N. Morton, sons
of Judge Sketchly Morton, of Delaware Co., whose great grand-
father, Hon. John Morton, was a signer of the Declaration of Inde-
pendence.
Capt. Hawkins was born at Chester, Delaware Co., Pa., Novem-
ber 18, 1827. As a biographical sketch of him will appear in an-
other part of this work, it is not necessary to give his record here.
In response to the call of President Lincoln, for seventy-five thou-
sand volunteers, he enlisted as a private in the Washington Grays,
of Philadelphia, which became Company A in the 17th Regiment
Pennsylvania Volunteers, commanded by Col. Francis E. Patterson,
being mustered into the service of the United States, April 25, 1861.
This regiment served with Gen. Robert Patterson's command, in
Maryland and Virginia, during the three months' term, and was
discharged at Harrisburg, Pa., August 2, 1861.
Soon after his return to Delaware County, his zeal for the national
cause induced him to return to the service, and having ascertained
that a regiment was being raised by Col. Guss, from the district
composed of Chester and Delaware Counties, he obtained authority
from that officer, and in co-operation with the Mortons, commenced
to recruit a company. Every inducement being afforded by Col.
Guss to make the company a success, recruiting commenced about
September 1, 1861, but owing to the number of enlistments already
made from the district, for the other companies of the 97th and
other regiments, the number increased but slowly. The first muster
for the company was on the 16th of September, at Camp Wayne,
by Maj. G. Pennypacker, about twenty-five recruits being mustered.
They then went into quarters on the south side of Camp Wayne,
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ORGANIZATION OP COMPANY I.
in charge of the officers engaged in recruiting for th
one of whom remained at the camp to drill and e
men while the others were looking up additional recruiti
tember 21 and October 9, 15, 17, and 19, additional n
made, aggregating, on the latter date, fifty-three
Sketchly Morton, Jr., was mustered as 1st lieutenant i
pany, which was now designated Company I, 97th P
Volunteers. The militia name adopted was the Brooke
compliment to Hon. H. Jones Brooke, State Senator
and Delaware Counties, and a resident of Media, Delaw
Pa. The men of this company were mostly from Dela\^
Additional musters were made for the company on <
November 7, 8, 10 and 16. It yet lacked a suffici(
for the muster of its full complement of officers. Bei
Camp Wayne, on November 16, Annesley N. Morto
tered as 2d lieutenant of the company.
The original officers, and non-commissioned officers <
1 were as follows: captain, .George W. Hawkins; 1st
Sketchly Morton, Jr., and 2d lieutenant, Annesley N.
Morton, Delaware Co., Pa.; 1st sergeant, J^mes WiUia
geant, John Knapp; 3d sergeant, Thomas N. Watson; 4
John C. Morton; 5th sergeant, George W. DufFee; 1
William R. Wood ; 2d corporal, William P. Hayman ;
John L. Morton; 4th corporal, Robert Trowland; 5
Clayton C. Elbertson; 6th corporal, Thomas Creigan; 1
William Otto well; 8 th corporal, vacant.
Capt. Hawkins could not be mustered until the com]
aggregate of eighty-three men. He was subsequently r
order of Maj. Gen. D. Hunter, commanding Departr
South, April 19, 1862, to rank from October 29, 18
at Camp Wayne, the company received such instructi
and discipline as their limited time afforded, Capt. H
his lieutenants being indefatigable in their efforts to bri
pany to a degree of proficiency that should not leave
behind those companies that had longer opportunity :
tions. The company was uniformed but not armed at Ct
When the Regiment reached Fortress Monroe, Va.
Sketchly Morton, Jr., returned to the district for the pu
taining recruits to fill the company. There was, howev
success realized afler the departure of the Regiment. ]
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64 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
were sent forward in December, 1861; one in January; one in
February; one in March, and two in April, 1862.
In consequence of long-continued close confinement on shipboard,
during the movements for the reduction of Fort Pulaski, January,
February and March, 1862, the health of many officers and men
was much impaired. Of these, 2d Lieut. A. N. Morton suflfered
seriously, necessitating his resignation, and return to a northern
climate. He was, therefore, honorably discharged, at Hilton Head,
S. C, April 16, 1862, and returned home.
Upon the resignation of Lieut. Morton, 1st Sergt. James Wil-
liams was promoted to 2d lieutenant, April 16, 1862; he resigned
and was honorably discharged, September 8, 1862. John Knapp,
who had previously been promoted to 1st sergeant, was then pro-
moted to 2d lieutenant, to rank from September 10, 1862. The
next vacancy in the company officers was caused by the death of
1st Lieut. Sketchly Morton, Jr., of yellow fever, at Hilton Head,
S. C, November 12, 1862. An account of this sad event wiU be
given in another part of this history. This was the first death of
an officer of the Regiment, and caused a deep-felt regret for the
loss of one so young, sb bright and earnest in all his eflfbrts, and
endeared, by his gentle and genial nature, to the entire circle of his
brother officers.
There was no immediate promotion to fill this vacancy, or those
of the non-commissioned officers, on account of the absence of
Capt. G. W. Hawkins on recruiting service. The record of these
could only be presented in the record roll, owing to the absence of
any reliable data in regard to the time and order of promotions.
2d Lieut. John Knapp resigned, and was honorably discharged, at
Femandina, Fla., February 5, 1864. About this time, thirty-seven
of the company, with others of the Regiment, re-enUsted as vete-
rans and received a furlough of thirty days. The vacancies in the
company officers were now filled by the promotions of 1st Sergt.
George W. Duffee to 2d lieutenant, to rank from February 5, 1864,
and on February 6, was promoted to 1st lieutenant; 2d Sergt. W.
H. H. Gibson was promoted to 2d lieutenant, to rank from
February 6, 1864, both being of the number who had re-enUsted.
Capt. Hawkins continued in command of his company until the
expiration of his term of service, being mortally wounded in action,
at Darby Town, October 27, 1864, and died on the 28th. As the
term of service of the men, enlisted in 1861, expired in October and
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ORGANIZATION OF COMPANY K. 65
November, 1864, they were accordingly mustered out and returned
to their homes. On December 2, 1864, Ist Lieut. George W.
Duffee was commissioned as captain of the company, 2d Lieut.
W. H. H. Gibson was promoted to 1st lieutenant and 1st Sergt.
George M. Middleton was promoted to 2d lieutenant. These
officers served with the company during the remainder of the war,
and were mustered out with the company and Regiment, at Wel-
don, N. C, August 28, 1866.
Company I was detailed, with Company A, to occupy Paris
Island, S. C, February 17, 1863, and moved over from Hilton
Head, where the Regiment was then stationed, the detachment
being under the command of Capt. F. M. Guss, of Company A.
These two companies were relieved and rejoined the Regiment, at
Hilton Head, S. C, March 26, 1863. For an account of this ser-
vice, see narrative of the Regiment.
Company K, Wayne Guards.
The tenth company of the Regiment was organized by Capt.
WilUam Wayne, of Paoli, Chester Co., Pa., a descendant of the
renowned Maj. Gen. Anthony Wayne, the hero of Stony Point,
one of the most daring and successful officers of the Revolutionary
War.
Capt. Wayne, being almost the only remaining descendant of the
femily, succeeded to the title and possession of the family estate-
and mansion that had been the residence of Gen. Wayne, situated
near the memorable spot of the Paoli massacre. Possessed of
ample competency and surrounded by the comforts of a most at-
tractive home, with wife and young children just at an age to most
require the presence of the husband and the father's care, Capt.
Wayne, true to the impulses of his patriotic ancestry and to his
own sense of duty, resigned all these in response to the call of his
country for defenders, in her hour of peril, trusting all to the care
of Him who has promised to be a shelter unto the widow and the
iatherless.
Authority to recruit a company for the Regiment was given by
CoL Guss to Capt. Wayne, about September 1, 1861, when he im-
mediately entered actively upon the work of recruiting. Various
localities were visited in company with other officers. Success waa
5
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66 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
necessarily limited, owing to the ground having already been very
much gone over and many enlistments made for other companies
and regiments ; but, through perseverance in the effort, a few men
were obtained almost every day. These were taken into quarters
in Camp Wayne about September 20, and occupied the barracks
adjoining Company I, on the south side of the camp. The first
muster for the company was on September 28, when five men were
mustered into service by Maj. G. Pennypacker; four more were
mustered on September 30. During October, thirty-five additional
were mustered. By November 7, the number reached fifty-three,
an aggregate sufficient for the muster of one lieutenant. Samuel
V. Black, one of the first five enlisted, was thfen mustered as 2d
lieutenant of the company, and took command of the recruits in
camp. Three more men were mustered while the Regiment re-
mained at Camp Wayne. For the position of 1st lieutenant, John
J. Barber, of West Chester, was strongly recommended by his
friends. It was also understood that he was well qualified for the
duties of an officer and could secure several recruits. Capt. Wayne
was induced to consent to his appointment in the hope of realizing
a more rapid accession of recruits. In this, however, he was disap-
pointed, for, notwithstanding .Mr. Barber seemed to be quite earnest
in his efforts, he did not succeed in adding to the number of enlist-
ments.
At the time of leaving Camp Wayne, fifty-six men had been
obtained for the company, being under the number requisite for
.the muster of captain and 1st lieutenant This was necessarily de-
ferred until an aggregate of eighty-three men could be secured.
Those officers were subsequently mustered at Hilton Head, S. C,
about April 19, 1862, by order of Maj. Gen. Hunter, to rank from
October 29, 1861. The militia name adopted by the company was
the Wayne Guards. The officers designated before leaving Camp
Wayne were: captain, William Wayne, of Paoli, Chester Co., Pa.;
1st lieutenant, John J. Barber, of West Chester, Pa.; 2d lieute-
nant, Samuel V. Black, of Chester Co., Pa.; 1st sergeant, Levi L.
March; 2d sergeant, James M. Griffith; 3d sergeant, David P.
Thomas; 4th sergeant, William S. Underwood; 5th sergeant, R.
Powell Fithian, appointed December 3, 1861; 1st corporal, Mariott
Brosius; 2d corporal, Channing Brinton; 3d corporal, William E.
Davis; 4th corporal, David S. Christman; 5th corporal, Alfred J.
Hartman; 6th corporal, William Taylor; 7th corporal, Bamet R.
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VACANCIES AND PROMOTIONS IN COMPANY K. 67
Rapp; 8th corporal, James W. Phillips; musicians, John H. Kauff-
man and George W. Smith; wagoner, Peter J. Wonderly. The
order announcing these appointments was issued January 29, 1862.
Of the men originally enlisted in this company, and who subse-
quently joined as volunteer recruits, several had served in the three
months' campaign, mostly in the 9th Regiment Pennsylvania Vo-
lunteers. They were all reliable and efficient soldiers, many of the
company being most estimable young men of the best families in
Chester County. The drill and discipline attained at Camp Wayne
were more than proportionate to the limited opportunity afforded,
it being the last company organized. Equipment of the men in
clothing, etc., was furnished as fast as enlisted, but no arms were
issued to the company until its arrival at Washington. Lieut.
Barber had remained in West Chester, when the Regiment left
Camp Wayne, in order to obtain recruits. At Fortress Monroe,
Va., Sergt. R. P. Fithian was detailed upon recruiting service and
returned to West Chester with 1st Lieut. Thomas Taylor. Ten
recruits were received by the company in December, 1861 ; six in
January, 1862; nine in February; one in March; one in April and
another, November 18, 1862.
Capt. Wayne commanded his company through the operations of
1862; the expedition to Warsaw Sound, Gra.; Fort Clinch, Fernan-
dina and Jacksonville, Fla.; Edisto, John and James Islands, S. C,
and during part of the October campaign of that year. At Hilton
Head, S. C, on September 10, 1862, he was detailed on recruit-
ing service and returned home. His health having suffered mate-
rially from exposure and climatic influences, and being unable to
return to duty, he tendered his resignation and received an honor-
able discharge from the service, by order of the Secretary of War,
Special Order No. 24, dated January 19, 1863. There was no
immediate promotion to fill the vacancy. The Regiment being
then encamped at St. Helena Island, relieved of active duty for
sanitary considerations, recommendation for promotion was delayed
as long as possible in order for better observation to determine the
best interests of the company under the circumstances. 1st Lieut.
Barber tendered his resignation about March 1, which, being
accepted, he was honorably discharged, March 9, 1863. 2d Lieut.
Samuel V. Black was then recommended for promotion to 1st lieu-
tenant and let Sergt. Levi L. March for 2d lieutenant, their com-
missions being dated May 3, 1863. 2d Sergt. James M. Griffith was
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68 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
then promoted to 1st sergeant. The three other sergeants were also
promoted. On May 6, 1863, 1st Corp. Mariott Brosius was pro-
moted to 5th sergeant, the remaining corporals being also promoted.
Private John W. Thompson was promoted to corporal. 2d Sergt.
David P. Thomas was discharged for disability, at Hilton Head,
S. C, October 14, 1862. 3d Sergt. Underwood was promoted to
2d sergeant. The other sergeants were also promoted and Corp.
Channing Brinton was designated as 5th sergeant. The dates of
subsequent promotions to corporals not being accurately obtained,
it is not known who was next appointed to that rank. Ist Lieut.
Samuel V. Black was promoted to captain, to rank from May 1,
1864; 2d Lieut. Levi L. March to 1st lieutenant, from same date,
and 1st Sergt. James M. Griffith was recommended for promotion
to 2d lieutenant, but before the application for these commissions
could be forwarded the latter was mortally wounded, in action.
May 20, at Green Plains, Va., and died of his wounds on June 3,
1864. 2d Sergt. William S. Underwood was promoted to 1st ser-
geant, to rank from May 1, and, upon the death of Lieut. Griffith,
he was recommended for promotion to 2d lieutenant, to rank from
May 1, 1864. He was not mustered as 2d lieutenant on account of
delay in receiving his commission. On July 30, 1st Lieut. Levi L.
March was mortally wounded, in action, at the battle of the Mine,
•and died of his wounds, after the amputation of an arm and leg,
August 13, 1864. 2d Lieut. Underwood was then promoted to let
lieutenant, and was mustered upon his second commission only, to
rank from December 2, 1864. There was no immediate promotion
to 2d lieutenant. Capt. Black had commanded the company in all
the engagements of the James River operations until captured, in
action, at Deep Bottom, Va., August 16, 1864. He remained a
prisoner until paroled in April, 1866, rejoined the company, April
10, at Ealeigh, N. C, and was honorably discharged, May 4, 1865,
to date January 29, 1865, expiration of term.
After the capture of Capt. Black, the command of the company
devolved upon 1st Lieut. Underwood, who led it in the remaining
engagements before Richmond and in the assault upon Fort Fisher,
and was of the number who received recommendation for promotion
for gallantry, in orders from the Secretary of War. He was pro-
moted to captain, February 28, 1865, and continued commanding
officer of the company until mustered out, August 28, 1865. Wil-
liam M. Sullivan, who had been promoted to 1st sergeant upon the
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Organization op Guss Fencibles Cornet Band. 69
promotion of Ist Sergt.^ Underwood to 2d lieutenant, was promoted
to Ist lieutenant, to rank from February 28, 1865, and Sergt. Mariott
Brosius, who had been severely wounded, in action. May 20, 1864,
at Ghreen Plains, Va., and had since been absent in United States
hospital, was promoted to 2d lieutenant. Being unable to perform
active duty, he was discharged from the service, January 2, 1865,
before receiving his commission, and not feeling able to resume
duty, therefore declined to be mustered. Ist Sergt. J. W. Thomp-
son was subsequently promoted to 2d lieutenant and mustered on
February 1, 1865. Sergt. J. R. Montgomery was then promoted to
Ist sergeant.
The re-enlistment of veterans in this company amounted to thirty-
seven. Those of the original number and recruits who did not re-
enlist were discharged, at the expiration of their term of service ,
and returned to their homes in October and November, 1864.
Guss Fencibles Cornet Band.
On October 24, 1861, the regimental band, under the leadership
of John H. Taylor, of West Chester, assisted by Gteorge Ellinger,
of Lancaster City, numbering twenty-two picked musicians, was
mnstered into service, for three years, as the Guss Fencibles Cornet
Band. A part of these men had been previously mustered in Com-
pany H, during the organization of that company. Upon being
transferred to the band, it was requisite for them to be re-mustered.
After a brief period of practice together, a degree ot proficiency was
manifested that soon rendered the camp more attractive from the
influence of enlivening strains of music. An increased interest was
also added to guard mounting and dress parade, giving the camp
more of the order of a military post or garrison, where every duty
was duly observed in accordance with army regulations.
During the time the band remained with the Regiment it continued
a feature of interest that often gave relief to the monotony of duty,
discoursing melody during the hours of evening or intervals of camp
Kfe, when no other influence was available upon which the thoughts
might rest or be held with the power by which the floating notes
of some familiar air, borne upon the evening breeze, recalling dear
and familiar scenes, rendered them still more dear. While the joys
of the far-off home and all its endearing and holy influences were
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70 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
thus brought more near, inspiring also the hope of the good time
to come when we might again listen to the dear strains of " Home,
sweet home," and " When this cruel war is over/'
The band was discharged, at Hilton Head, S. C, August 31,
1862, in accordance with Greneral Orders No. 91, from the War De-
partment, at Wjishington. A few of the men joined as musicians
to fill vacancies in the companies, but most of them returned home.
Some re-entered the service. All such as were ascertained are noted
in the roster.
Independent Company.
Toward the end of 1864, Col. Pennypacker received notice, from
the War Department, that an independent company had been as-
signed to his Regiment, from Pennsylvania. The company, how-
ever, never joined the Regiment nor became identified with its
services. The only knowledge of its existence had by any of
the officers of the Regiment was subsequently through having offi-
cial communications directed to the Independent Company, 97th
Regiment P. V., and through unofficial reports, received by Col.
Wainvmght, that said company had been assigned to duty in Balti-
more. Prof. Bates, in his State History, gives the roster of the
officers and men of the company as a part of the organization of
the 97th Regiment P. V. [See Bates' History, Vol. III.]
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CAMP WAYNE, WEST CHESTER. 71
CHAPTER II.
Camp Wayne, West Chester; Camp Jones Brooke, Washington;
Camp Hamilton, Fortress Monroe, October to December, 1861.
ECRUITING proceeded with all possible diligence,
at Camp Wayne, during September, and every effort
was being made to complete the organization of the
Regiment within the time allotted. About eight
hundred men had been enlisted and the number was
, being daily increased, less rapidly, however, than was
» desirable, primarily owing to the check put upon
the spontaneous offer of sevices pouring in from all
parts of the north, followed quickly by the intro-
duction of a system of bounties deemed essential by the government
to promote enlistments, yet which in reality became a serious check
thereto, as it became evident that increased bounties were to be re-
sorted to in proportion to increased demand for additional troops.
Men now waited to enlist under later calls, when the bounty should
reach its highest limit, it becoming evident that whatever legislation
was probable in regard to bounties would be entirely prospective —
benefiting future enlistments — ^rather than general, and retroactive
in a spirit of just appreciation of those most deserving of bounty,
who earliest tendered their service to their country freely without
waiting for such stimulus to awaken their patriotism.
An act of the extra session of the State Legislature had provided
for the relief of families of volunteers from the State. The question
whether such relief would be extended to the families of the men
enlisted in regiments accepted directly by the War Department,
being now raised, also tended to materially retard enlistments in the
97th Regiment. In order to obtain the views of the members of the
State Legislature, from the district, upon this point, the following
letter was authorized to be addressed to the members of the Senate
and House of Representatives from Chester and Delaware Counties:
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72 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. [September,
West Chester, Pa., September 4, 1861.
Hon. Jacob S. Serrill, State Senator, Hons. Caleb Peibce, Wil-
liam T. Shafer, Isaac Acker and Chalkley Harvey, Members
of the House of Representatives, Harrisburg, Pa.
Dear Sirs: It is desired to have the opinion of members of the
late Legislature upon the bill, passed at the extra session, relative
to the relief of families of volunteers enlisted in the war for the
defence of the Union. Was it designed that companies or regi-
ments enlisted within the State, which have been accepted by the
War Department, as independent companies or regiments, should
be excluded from the benefit of the provisions of the bill] Your
views will greatly interest many of your fellow citizens.
Very truly, yours, Isaiah Price.
It is not remembered whether replies were received from all the
gentlemen addressed. The two following are found among the
papers preserved, which, expressing opposite views upon the ques-
tion, are sufficient to indicate the embarrassment thereby occasioned
to enlistments in the Regiment at the time, and which became an
influence of grave consideration in finally determining the question
of merging the Regiment with those of the regularly constituted
State organizations:
Darby, Pa., September 7, 1861.
Isaiah Price, Esq.
Dear Sir: The object which the Legislature had in view, in pass-
ing the act for the relief of the families of volunteers, was to extend
such aid to those dependent upon the volunteer for support as might
be deemed just and reasonable, by the board of relief constituted
by the act in the several counties of the State. I never heard, nor
never supposed, that any distinction was contemplated between
those who entered the service of the State and those who should be
directly mustered into the . service of the United States. No such
discrimination, in favor of the first, was intended by the General
Assembly, and any construction of the act which shall exclude from
its benefit the family of any citizen, who enters the service of his
country, is, in my judgment, a violation of its spirit and meaning,
and must tend to retard enlistment. I do not pretend to put a
legal construction upon the act, but speak of it as I understood it,
and the purpose which it was designed by the Legislature to effect.
Thousands of men who have joined the army did so without asking
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1^ J ORGANIZATION OP THE REGIMENT. 73
whether it was the State or the United States service they were
entering. The object of all was the same. They are fighting for
the same noble cause and are making the same sacrifices to sustain
it Why, then, should those have any greater claim to the aid of
the State than the others] I am one of those who believe that, in
a struggle like that in which we are now engaged, every induce-
ment should be held out for enlisting, and the premium for the
relief of families is one of the strongest which can be offered. It
removes an objection which would properly prevent many from
becoming soldiers. It is true that the aggregate taxation for war
purposes may seem to be oppressive, but which can we best afford,
to pay the taxes or lose the government? It were better that every
acre of land in Pennsylvania should be mortgaged to its full value
than that the cause of the Union should fail! Our government
should be dearer to us than our property, and loyal men will be
willing to make every sacrifice to preserve it.
Trusting that the application of this law may be as broad and
general as it was designed by the Legislature, I remain,
Very truly, yours, Jacob S. Serrill.
Chester Springs, September 9, 1861.
Isaiah Price, Esq.
Dear Sir; Yours of 4th instant was received on Saturday, 7th.
1 was of opinion, and think it was the design of the Legislature,
that all volunteers, to secure the benefit of the act, must first be
recognized by the State authorities. The twelfth section of the act
makes it unlawful for any volunteer to leave the Commonwealth
unless he shall have been first accepted by the Governor under a
requisition from the General Government. The relief committee is
restricted in their work of benevolence to such as are dependent
upon those who are in the service of their country, under orders
from the State authorities. As you are aware, the late proclamation
of the Grovemor required all parts of companies, etc., to report at
Harrisburg. Pennsylvania, conscious of the patriotism of her sons,
desires that all who enter the service of their country should be
known and recognized officially by her, that all may partake and
enjoy her bounty.
I was not awaire until very recently you were engaged in the good
work. May the smiles of a kind Providence ever be upon you.
Truly yours, Wm. T. Shafer.
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74 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. [October,
There had, about this time, some correspondence taken place, be-
tween Gov. Curtin and the Secretary of War, in regard to the
companies and regiments being organized in the State, by direct
authority of the latter, independently of the call upon the State for
troops. The Governor urging the claim of the State to have all
the troops enlisted and commissioned by the State authorities, pre-
vious to acceptance by the War Department; which, being finally
acquiesced in, the Regiment now came under the direction of the
State authorities, with the distinct understanding that Col. Giiss
was to be permitted to complete its organization in accordance with
the original design.
The number designating the Regiment had at first been under-
stood to be the 42th P. V., but owing to that number being
already assigned upon the State records to another regiment, it was
designated by Gov. Curtin as the Ninety-seventh Regiment Penn-
sylvania Volunteers.
Augustus P. Duer, of Penningtonville, Chester Co., Pa., whp had
been appointed lieutenant colonel of the Regiment, by Col. Guss,
was mustered on the 7th of October, together with Maj. G. Penny-
packer, by Lieut. Col. C. F. Ruff, United States mustering officer
of the district. Dr. John R. Everhart, of West Chester, and Dr
George W. Miller, of Philadelphia, were mustered as surgeon and
assistant surgeon, respectively, on October 14. 1st Lieut. Henry
W. Carruthers, of Company C, was mustered as adjutant, October
31, 1861, and Ist Lieut. David Jones, Company H, as quarter-
master, on the same date.
To complete the organization of the Regiment, on October 29,
Col. Guss had designated the following non-commissioned staff offi-
cers from the enlisted men of Regiment, who were transferred to
the roster of the field and staff: hospital steward, Harmon Heed,
of Company H; sergeant major, George A. Lemaistre, of Company
H; quarter-master sergeant, James T. Skiles, of Company B; com-
missary sergeant, Thomas McKay, of Company A; drum major,
James St. John, Sr., of Philadelphia, Pa.; fife major, Casper C.
Fahnestock, of Paoli, Chester Co. These field and non-commis-
sioned staff officers had performed the duties of their respective po-
sitions, during the progress of the organization, by virtue of verbal
appointment from Col. Guss.
George Kirk, of E^sttown, Chester Co., and John F. Forrest,
of Delaware County, received the appointment of sutlers. The
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1^-3 ORGANIZATION OF THE REGIMENT COMPLETED. 75
fonner remained with the Regiment until January, 1862, when he
was obUged to return home, from Hilton Head, S. C, owing to
fitOing health from the influence of the Southern climate. Mr.
Forrest continued with the Regiment a much longer period and be-
came fully identified with its interest and success, providing the
necessary supplies for the comfort of the men and also a substantial
ftmd, arising from a percentage upon his sales, which became a
basis for the monumental fund. Rev. William M. Whitehead, of
New Centreville, Chester Co., was appointed chaplain, by Col. Guss,
about the time the Regiment left Camp Wayne, the date of his
muster being November 19, 1861, which must have been at Wash-
ington, D. C.
Eight companies of the Regiment had now (October 29) reached
the requisite number of men duly mustered into each company.
Companies I and K yet lacked the aggregate to entitle them to the
muster of aU their officers. Until these were obtained. Col. Guss
was also delayed, being mustered some months after the Regiment
reached Hilton Head, S. C. He, however, entered fully upon the
command of his Regiment from October 29, from which date the
Regiment was considered an organized command. The first official
order to his Regiment was issued by Col. H. R. Guss, October 15,
1861, as follows:
Head-Quartebs, 97th P. V., Camp Wayne,
West Chester, Pa., October 15, 1861.
%)ecial Orders No. 1.
Augustus P. Duer having been duly mustered in as lieutenant
colonel, and Capt. Gralusha Pennypacker as major of the 97th Regi-
ment P. v., they will accordingly assume their respective duties,
Wednesday morning, October 16, instant.
The officers and men composing this Regiment will respect and
obey them in accordance with the rules and articles of war as laid
down in United States Army regulations.
lieut. Col. Duer will take command of Camp Wayne, at 9 o'clock
A. M., on the 16th inst., and issue such orders as may be necessary
for camp regulations. 1st Lieut. Henry W. Carruthers will be tem-
porarily detailed as adjutant.
By order of Henry R. Guss, Colonel 97th P. V.
[Signed] Henry W. Carruthers, 1st Lieut., Acting Adjutant.
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76 HISTORY OF THB NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. [October.
Lieut. Col. Duer relieved Maj. Pennypacker in the command of
Camp Wayne, as designated in the above order. Regimental orders
were now duly issued as occasion required. The camp was be-
coming each day a place of increasing interest.
The companies having muskets were regularly drilled, in the
manual of arms, by their officers. All the companies were regularly
exercised in the various movements required to prepare them for
the service, from four to six hours each day being thus occupied.
Schools of instruction for officers were organized and kept up at
various periods subsequently during the term of service. The in-
struction for officers was mainly devoted to the school of the com-
pany and the battalion, and occupied one or more evenings each
week. The school for officers was conducted by Col. H. R. Guss,
during the early period of the service, and subsequently by Maj.
G. Pennypacker. The schools for non-commissioned officers were
conducted by a commissioned officer of each company, being devoted
chiefly to the school of the soldier and the company.
After the first four companies had progressed sufficiently in com-
pany drill, singly, battalion drill was commenced and continued
regularly while at Camp Wayne, commanded either by Col. H. R.
Guss, Lieut. Col. A. P. Duer, Maj. G. Pennypacker, or the senior
captain present. Dress parade daily, and the usual weekly inspec-
tion of arms, quarters, etc., as prescribed by the army regulations,
was conducted every Sunday morning.
During this period, it was the constant aim of the commanding
officer, and also of the company officers, to secure the advantages
of perfect drill and discipline for the Regiment, at the outset, in
order to render it most efficient for the service upon which it was
about to enter.
These efforts caused the camp soon to present the daily routine of
duties appertaining to a well-appointed military post; having effi-
cient guards, regularly posted and relieved in due form, regular
hours appointed for drill of companies, and of squads of recruits
acquiring proficiency in the first movements of a soldier's training.
These influences naturally resulted in the attainment of a degree of
discipline alike creditable to both officers and men.
The varied calls, designating the hours for the usual camp duties,
guard mounting, drills, parades, etc., were regularly observed as
prescribed, and the entire camp and quarters kept in thorough order
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^^^'i VISITORS AT CAMP WAYNE. 77
by the men, tending to impress a proper appreciation of sanitary
r^ulations of great value in after service.
While at Camp Wayne, the men were visited by friends from the
surrounding district, who brought abundance of supplies, substan-
tials and delicacies, for the comfort of those who were soon to leave
homes and friends to encounter the perils of war.
The battalion drills and dress parades became occasions of such
interest to the families and friends of the men, and to the citizens
generally, as to attract thousands daily to witness them. Of these,
the most interested spectators were ladies: mothers, wives, daughters
and sisters, who came daily to meet a son, husband, father, brother,
or one held, perhaps, as dear to her heart as by any of these ties of
kindred, coming to behold them again, and for brief moments to
enjoy sweet and loving communion with their dear ones, before they
should go forth to meet their country's foes in deadly conflict. Who
shall measure the depth of that interest that brought, day after day,
to witness these preparations, those whose hearts, bleeding with an-
guish silently, could yet smile through their tears and bravely bid
their loved ones God speed, burying in the all-absorbing present
the deep agonies of uncertainty that must for long years cloud the
heavens and the earth about their lives, as they bear the burden of
its duties with patience and hope, in lonely vacant homes, while
their hearts must ever continue to reach out toward these loved ones,
thus given up to their country in her time of need, with an unrest
which only their return can satisfy.
Many contributions of blankets, stockings, and other articles of
utility and comfort, were brought to the camp and distributed to the
men by their friends. Some of the companies were the recipients of
such favors to a considerable extent, the particulars of which cannot
now be ascertained. Company C received one hundred and one
pairs of heavy woolen stockings, knit by ladies interested in that
company, some of which were knit by Rachel Sharpless, a minister
in the society of Friends, then in her eighty-fifth year, two of her
grandsons being members of that company and three others in
other regiments in the service.
While at Camp Everhart, Company A was the recipient of many
favors from the citizens of West Chester. A series of resolutions
were drawn up by the members of that company, tendering sincere
thanks to Mrs. David McConkey, Mrs. Phebe Evans, Mrs. Lieut.
Louis Y. Evans, Mr. and Mrs. Lemuel Kinney, and Mr. William
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78 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEYENTH REGIMENT. [NoTcmbcr,
Maris, for their many acts of kindness in furnishing, on various
occasions, bountiful supplies of edibles, and to the Rev. James R.
Anderson, pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church, West Chester,
since deceased, for a supply of Testaments and other religious
reading matter.
The different companies of the Regiment were frequently taken
by their company commanders, on Sunday mornings and evenings,
to service, at the various churches of West Chester, and, upon a few
occasions, to Friends' meeting, arrangements being previously made
to have the men seated in a body. Their deportment upon these
occasions was uniformly orderly and attentive, evincing a proper
regard for the object of their going. Many of the discourses to
which they were privileged to listen were impressively addressed to
the deep and serious importance of the duties and the dangers of the
service upon which they were about to enter, demanding of them
most serious consideration, and urging the necessity of an individual
reliance upon the Divine power, which alone was sufficient to sustain
them in the midst of their perilous and arduous future. The under-
lying influences of the cause in which they were called to serve
were set forth, showing that a last effort toward supremacy in the
national control, by a power hostile to the principles upon which
the goverment was founded, had now resorted to the force of arms
in resistance to the constituted authorities, devolving the duty upon
every true citizen to aid in maintenance of the national integrity.
Patriotism was the watchword and the text of the faith preached
in those days, like Cromwell's advice to his soldiers, *• to trust in
God and keep their powder dry."
On October 29, orders were issued for the first regular inspection
of the Regiment, to be held on October 30. Every man was re-
quired to be in ranks with clothing in knapsacks and all other
accoutrements on. The inspection was duly made by Col. Guss,
accompanied by his field officers. It was a new experience to many
of the officers and to most of the men, but was quite gratifying to
all, as the men were in excellent order, with every part of outfit
new and complete, wanting only the experience of usage and self-
confidence to become a regiment of the first order, a credit to them-
selves and their experienced commander.
On Tuesday, November 12, 1861, Gov. A. G. Curtin, accompanied
by the members of his staff, visited Camp Wayne for the purpose
of presenting a stand of colors to the 97th Regiment.
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IW ] FLAG PRESENTATION BY GOVERNOR CURTIN. 79
In accordance with previous arrangement, the Governor was met,
at Oakland Station, upon the Pennsylvania Railroad, by a commit-
tee of citizens appointed at a town meeting on the evening previous.
The following gentlemen accompanied the Governor: Lieut. Col.
John A. Wright, Lieut. Col. J. B. Price, Lieut. Col. Thomas S.
BeD, 61st P. v., Lieut. Col. Charles Hay, Paymaster Gen. Henry
D. Maxwell, Commissary Gen. William W. Irwin, Auditor Gen.
Thomas E. Cochran, Col. Joseph H. Wilson, of the 101st P. V.
(then organizing at Camp Curtin, Harrisburg), Col. Samuel B.
Thomas, Deputy Secretary of the Commonwealth, Capt. Charles M.
Donovan, of Philadelphia, and Surgeon Gen. H. H. Smith.
As the distinguished visitors arrived opposite the Hill Meeting
House, on High Street, they were met by Col. Guss, who had
marched his Eegiment to that point for the purpose of escorting the
Governor and suite to the Court House, where they arrived at 12.30
P. M. The Governor was received in a very neat and appropriate
speech by Joseph J. Lewis. Esq., which was responded to by the
Governor, in his usual felicitous manner, thanking the citizens of
West Chester for their very kind reception. Further ceremonies
were then deferred until after the Governor and suite had dined.
At about 3 P. M., Gov, Curtin and staff, with the other guests,
arrived at Camp Wayne, where an* immense concourse of citizens
had preceded them.
The Regiment was formed in column by division closed in mass
in front of the stand, on the north side of the Fair buildings. The
people had crowded around the reserved space with such eagerness
as to render it difficult for the guard to keep clear sufficient room
for the reception committee and those who were to take part in the
proceedings.
When all had been arranged, the Governor came forward, un-
covered, holding the staff upon which waved the beautiful stars and
stripes of the flag he was about to entrust to the keeping of the
Regiment, as its banner, around which to rally when led forth into
the performance of whatever duty an imperiled country might de-
mand, and, in these words, consigned it to the Regiment:
Fellow citizens and soldiers: I am here to-day for the perform-
ance of an official duty. The Legislature of our State, at its late
session, provided that regimental flags should be procured and pre-
sented to the brave men who should go out from the State for the
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80 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. [November,
defence of the National Government. This is one of many like
occasions in which I have appeared before the soldiers of Pennsyl-
vania, and I can truly say that no other has had associations more
inspiring to the patriotic breast, or more calculated to stir within
me emotions of pride for my native State, with its glowing histories,
its continual progress for so many years, and its present devotion to
the principles of truth and justice in which its foundations were
laid.
I cannot stand here to-day without remembering that, in the
year 1682, in the county of Chester, the proprietors and founders
of the province enacted, by and with the consent of the delegates
assembled, the first body of laws for the government of Pennsyl-
vania; those laws which, in their first lines, recognized that from
the Almighty come all gifts of truth and justice, and the provisions
of which so clearly recognized an abiding faith in the principles
which their makers professed. Nor can I forget that in this county
of Chester were enacted some of the most trying scenes that illus-
trated so forcibly the bravery and steadfastness of the soldiers of
that period.
To the great army of the Revolution she gave, too, one of its
bravest leaders. No general stood more highly in the confidence
of the Father of his Country, none did more valiant or better ser-
vice, than Gen. Anthony Wayne. We are now assembled within
a few miles of his birthplace, not far from the spot in which he
spent much of his life; the place, too, of his death and burial.
Chester County has not forgotten him, and his name, made so glo-
rious in the war of the Revolution, in the great contest for the
establishment of a government upon a basis which thoroughly re-
cognized the right of man to self-government. That name, I find,
is now inscribed upon the roll of your Regiment and that you have
a Wayne as one of your captains.
I am gratified to see, too, that another Revolutionary name has
its representatives in your ranks: two lineal descendants of that
John Morton, who was a signer of the Declaration of Independence,
are lieutenants in another company. These facts show that the
patriotic fervor, which warmed the men of the olden times, still
bums in the hearts of their descendants, who are now ready to die
in the defence of those same principles for which their ancestors
risked their lives and encountered the hardships of the battle field.
Here, too, we are in the vicinity of Brandywine, Paoli and Valley
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^^•J SPEECH OF GOVERNOR CURTIN. 81
Forge; and here, indeed, we cannot but feel that we are treading
upon classic ground.
But, citizen soldiers, while we thus dwell for a moment upon the
memories of the glorious past, we may not close our eyes to the stem
realities of the present time.
You are here to-day prepared to go forth and battle for the main-
tenance of those constitutional rights which were transmitted by
Tour ancestors, and for the prostration of which more than two hun-
dred and fifty thousand rebels stand arrayed.
You have voluntarily left your homes and firesides, the compa-
nions and scenes of your youthful days, with a full knowledge of the
probable trials and vicissitudes of a soldier's life, that you may aid,
to the extent of your ability, in restoring to its original condition
that Government which was fought for by the most courageous band
of warriors, and at length triumphantly established by the wisest
and most prudent statesmen the world has ever known.
Your mission is not of conquest, is not for spoils and rapine.
You will go into those States where rebellion rears her haughty
head erect, holding out to those who are loyal at heart and want
but the opportunity to display their fidelity as citizens, offering to
such as these our Constitution, full, perfect and operative, as it has
been adopted by the chosen representatives of the whole people of
the United States.
It is for this you are contending; for this you are ready to lay
down your lives. But, to the persistent rebel, to the traitor who
would strike at this Constitution, and who seeks to destroy this
most excellent Government, this glorious Constitution, this national
fabric, to him you offer the dread retribution of the sword or the
rope of the executioner.
Yours is not a revolutionary struggle — you wish to build up and
not destroy. In such a cause, with such antecedents of sacrifice and
devotion for the sake of constitutional liberty, with such prospects
of a far-extending future, beneath the influence of its institutions,
I do most heartily say God speed.
But I cannot be unmindful, whilst thus offering you words of
encouragement, of the serious reflections that must come home to the
heart of each of you. You leave at home, a mother, a sister, a wife
or a child; you are about to part from friends that are dear; you
know that the warrior's path is beset with dangers, and that many
a day of fatiguing labor, many a night of sleeplessness, will be the
6
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82 HISTORY OF THE NINETF-SEVENTH REGIMENT. fNovember.
inevitable lot of a soldier's life; bat yours is the virtue that can feel
and know all this, yet, for the sake of truth and justice, encounter
all these perils in their most trying forms. It is this virtue which
makes your position so elevated, as it proves that you are worthy
of your sires and the place which gave you birth; that you are fit
recipients of the flag of your country, which, by the direction of
the Legislature, I now entrust to your keeping. Take, then, this
flag; upon its blue field is placed the coat of arms of Pennsylvania,
surrounded by the thirty-four stars emblematic of the States of the
whole Union.
It is the flag of your fathers and of your country. It will be youK
to bear it in the thickest of the fight and to defend it to the last.
Upon its return, it will have inscribed upon it the record of those
battles through which you have carried it, and will become a part
of the archives of Pennsylvania; and there it will remain, through
all coming time, a witness to your children and your children's
children of the valor of their fathers. With full confidence that in
your hands this banner will never be disgraced, I entrust it to your
care and for the last time bid you farewell
At the conclusion, the flag was received by Col. H. R. Guss, who
said to the Governor :
I have asked the adjutant of the Regiment, Lieut. Henry W.
Carruthers, to make the reply to your eloquent address, feeling sure
he will more adequately express what I desire to say than I could,
speaking being more in his line than mine.
Adjt. Carruthers then came forward and repUed to the eloquent
sentiments of the Governor as follows :
Governor: On behalf of Col. Guss and the Ninety-seventh Regi-
ment, I receive from your excellency's hands this beautiful flag,
the emblem of our country's nationality. I have no language to
delineate the emotions that throb within each soldier's breast at
this mark of confidence reposed by the grand old Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania in them, her citizens. Suffice it to say that we
thank you with overflowing hearts; and although we desire to
make no idle boasts, and although we profess mainly to be citizens
of a quiet agricultural district in the Commonwealth founded by
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^^'^ REPLY OF ADJUTANT CARRUTHERS. 83
Perm, the Apostle of Peace, yet it shall be our endeavor to rally
around this standard with a sincere devotion truly worthy of the
great cause. We shall endeavor to bear it victoriously aloft, high
above the smoke and turmoil of battle, and unpolluted by the touch
of an inimical hand; and here, in your august presence, before this
multitude, composed of beauty and manhood, in the heart of a
county rendered famous and classic by Revolutionary scenes, and
by the names of Brandywine, Paoli and Valley Forge, we this day
devote our strongest efforts and, if need be, our lives to the defence
of liberty and republican government. Again, your excellency, re-
presenting the teeming millions of the Keystone State, has addressed
us with words of encouragement, with words of compliment and
words of hope. We thank you for them; we feel proud that we are
Pennsylvanians ; we admire her patriotism ; we glory in her strength ;
we rejoice at her prosperity and boast of her elements of greatness
and empire; yet we derive a greater satisfaction from the fact that
we are American citizens, subjects of a Government founded by
Washington, and rather than be less "we would be dogs and bay
the moon."
A government so free can never be destroyed; a cause so glorious
as its defence cannot but be victorious. How clear it is to the
people is evidenced by the patriotic host that, at the first tocsin of
alarm, gathered around her planet standard with a spirit more
eager for the fray than the wild retainers of the Macgregor's Scot-
tish clan. We desire to be numbered with them, and, like the
idolized Harry of the West, we believe that the colors which float
from this standard should be the credentials of every freeman ; and
we shall stand erect whilst life endures, with a spirit undaunted,
ready to second the efforts of the Administration in behalf of
liberty, the Union and the national prosperity.
The exercises of the day, which were no less impresssive than in-
teresting throughout, concluded with a review of the Regiment, by
Gov. Curtin and staff. The movements of the companies exhibited
very creditable attainment in drill and discipline, and Col. Guss
was deservedly complimented for the exactitude of all their move-
ments.
On November 12, Col. Guss received, from Gov. Curtin, verbal
orders to hold his Regiment in readiness to proceed to Washington^
D.C., within a very few days. Preparations were immediately com-
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84: HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. [October,
menced for departure. The camp became the scene of still greater
interest and activity as the time for parting drew near. The drill
and regular order of duty were suspended to allow the men all
possible time with their friends in the camp. Many touching and
tender incidents of parting occurred which were too sacred for
portrayal by the historic pen.
On November 15, final marching orders were received. Early on
the morning of the 16th, the Regiment marched out of Camp
Wayne and passed through the principal streets of West Chester
to the depot of the Philadelphia and West Chester Railroad. Pass-
ing along the route, the citizens and friends of the Regiment
thronged the sidewalks, crowding the way, eager to press through
to give a last embrace and adieu to near and dear ones. From
THE COOPER SHOP VOLUNTEER REFRESHMENT SALOON AND HOSPITAL.
the windows waved the hands and banners of many fair ones who
scattered bouquets and flowers as they bade their adieus and God
speed. The scene was imposing and impressive as the march con-
tinued. On Church Street, a halt was made to partake of a lunch
of coffee and sandwiches provided by the citizens. All along the
route to the depot, the sway of greeting hands, waving of hand-
kerchiefs, and the murmur of thousands of voices mingled in last
adieus, found at length its culmination, breaking forth in hearty
cheers for the boys in blue as the train took its departure at
11.20 A. M.
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IWl ] DEPARTURE PROM CAMP WAYNE. 85
At the stations, on the way to Philadelphia, many of the friends
of the Regiment were collected, who cheered and shouted adieus as
the train sped past. Arrived at West Philadelphia at 12.45 P. M.
Marched thence to the Cooper Shop Refreshment Saloon, at Otsego
Street and Washington Avenue (four miles), and were there re-
freshed by the kind hospitality of that committee and of the Union
Refreshment Committee, whose united efforts to provide for the com-
fort of the soldiers passing through Philadelphia were crowned
with such remarkable success as to have placed the loyal liberality
of her citizens most prominent as a feature of importance during
the war, rendering those places dear and familiar to the hundreds
of thousands who were refreshed by the way, both going to and
returning from the front. From the saloons, marched to the depot
of the Philadelphia, Wilmington and Baltimore Railroad, and at
5 30 P. M. started for Washington.
THB UNION YOLUNTBBB RBFRE8HMBNT SALOON.
While on the march up Washington Avenue to the depot, Mrs.
Mary St. John, familiarly known as "Mother St. John," joined the
Regiment, as laundress, her home being in Philadelphia. She was
the wife of Drum Maj. James St. John. Her two youngest sons were
also members of the Regiment. She remained continuously with
the Regiment until the spring of 1864, rendering valuable services
to the sick and wounded. Her conduct was always such as to merit
and receive the respect of all, and her presence in the camp was
ever the guarantee of some desirable comfort that could not other-
wise have been obtained.
At Chester, Delaware Co., Pa., many of the friends of the Regi-
ment had gathered to give them a parting greeting. Companies D,
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86 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. [November.
G and I being from Delaware County. At Wilmington, Del., also,
a large number came to see the Regiment pass and have another
good-bye. Here all were left behind who had any personal interest
in the Regiment, yet, along the entire route to Baltimore and Wash-
ington, cheers and enthusiasm everywhere greeted the coming of
another regiment to the national defence.
Arrived at Baltimore at 5.30 A. M., November 17, and marched
from the President Street Depot, through the city, over the route
along which the 6th Massachusetts Regiment passed, on April 19,
when fired upon by the rebel mob. The streets were now almost
deserted. Occasionally, however, the sight of the old flag, waving
from the upper windows, gave cheering indication of a remnant of
loyalty as we passed along. The rebel element was, however, still
more evident in the skulking sullenness of the few observed peering
from alleys and byways along the route.
Left Baltimore at 8.30 A. M. Arrived at Washington at 3 P. M.,
having been delayed awaiting trains passing north from Washington.
The railroad from Havre de Grace to Washington was picketed
and guarded by a strong force, stationed at intervals, from which the
guards were distributed.
The Regiment partook of a lunch, provided at the Soldiers* Rest,
adjoining the depot, and afterwards marched to an open lot half a
mile north of the Capitol, where tents were pitched for the first
time at dusk on November 17, 1861. The camp was named Camp
Jones Brooke, in honor of Hon. H. Jones Brooke, whose influence
had aided the Regiment in its organization.
The sharp cold wind of that November evening swept keenly
over the unsheltered men while waiting for the teams to bring up
the tents. But none complained of hardship, the men seeming im-
pressed with the feeling that such inconveniences were a part of a
soldier's life to be endured uncomplainingly. The weather remained
very cold for several days, but the men being in good spirits and all
well, except a few who had taken slight colds, there was but little
inconvenience suffered.
The healthy condition of our men was noticed, upon arriving at
Washington, in this wise: A medical officer came to Dr. Everhart
and pointed out the ambulances for conveyance of the sick. Upon
Dr. Everhart saying, "We have no sick,'* he seemed astonished and
said this was the first regiment that had arrived in Washington
with less than ten or twelve to be taken to the hospital. Other
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^8<tt.] CAMP JONES BROOKE, WASHINGTON. 87
officers and citizens, who were present when the Regiment arrived,
expressed the opinion that it had the most robust and healthy-
looking men that had reached Washington. The same opinion was
expressed to officers of the Regiment while in Baltimore.
On November 20, the Regiment was marched to the Washing-
ton arsenal, where the companies which had been previously armed
with the old muskets, turned in their arms, depositing them in a
pile at the arsenal as they marched in, after which the entire Regi-
ment received the new Springfield rifled musket, of the pattern of
1861, a beautiful and effective piece, with which the men were
highly pleased.
While encamped at Washington, in addition to the usual camp
duties, the men were occupied daily in company drill and in the
manual of arms, etc., the recruits last enUsted being drilled in
squads by the non-commissioned officers of the companies.
Col. Guss, having received orders from the War Department to
proceed with his Regiment to Fortress Monroe, Va., issued orders,
on the evening of the 19th, to have two days' rations cooked and
to have the men ready to march at short notice. Accordingly, on
the 20th, after returning from the march to the arsenal, the order
was given to strike tents and pack up, which the men obeyed with
a ready will. Teams were soon upon the ground to convey the tents
and baggage to the depot, for shipment to Baltimore, from whence
the Regiment was to embark. At 2 P. M., marched to the depot;
waited until 4 P. M. for cars; then loaded baggage and men and
waited until 8 P. M, for the arrival of other trains on the road;
reached Baltimore at 11 P. M., remaining under the shelter of the
depot until morning. The men, finding resting places on the floor,
slept soundly. Before marching from the depot, on the morning of
November 21, the 93d Pennsylvania Regiment, Col. James Mc-
Carter, from Lebanon, Pa., arrived at Baltimore and halted by the
depot to await transportation. There were many pleasant greetings
between the men who, though from distant localities, were glad to
meet as Pennsylvanians and patriots. Previous to leaving the depot
in Baltimore, the men were plentifully refreshed by the Union Re-
freshment Committee. Then marched to Locust Point, on the
Patapsco River, where Com{>anies B, E, G, H, I and K, with the
band, embarked on board the steamer Georgiana. Considerable
delay occurred in loading the baggage of the Regiment owing to the
inconvenience of the landing. At 3 P. M., when the companies
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88 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. [November,
designated had been taken on board, it was found the steamer
could not carry the entire Regiment. The remaining companies,
A, C, D and F, were then marched nearly two miles to Concord
Street Wharf, to embark on the steamer Louisiana, which was to
start at 7 P. M. Those companies were commanded by Lieut. Col.
A. P. Duer, Col. Guss and the other field officers being on board
the Georgiana.
At daylight on the morning of November 22, the two steamers on
which the Regiment had embarked had arrived in the bay opposite
Fortress Monroe, Va., and had anchored quite near together.
FOBTRB86 MONROE IN 1861.
At 7 A. M., the Regiment landed upon the wharf at the fort,
boats not being permitted to land troops or citizens between sun-
down and 7 A. M. Col. Guss reported his arrival to the com-
mandant, Maj. Gen. John E. Wool, U. S. A., and received orders
where to encamp. The Regiment was formed in line near the
wharf, then marched about one and a half miles southwest of the
fort, over a gravel road, crossing a bridge that spans an arm of the
bay or inlet, toward the village of Hampton, which the rebels had
burned a short time previous upon the approach of Gen. Phelps'
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^^^^ CAMP HAMILTON. 89
troops. The tall chim-
neys, left standing amid
the ruins, were in full
view during the march,
presenting a vivid pic-
ture of the desolation
wrought by a misguided
people in its rebellion
against the protecting
power of a beneficent
government. For the
second, time in its his- xhb bubnimo of hamfton.
torj% this village had
faUen a prey to the ravages of destroying flames, now kindled by
the fugitive dwellers within its ancient and time-honored walls.
The British troops, during the war of 1812, first consigned its
dwellings to the torch, but, more considerate of sacred edifices, had
spared the ancient church of St. John, built of bricks that had
crossed the ocean with the earliest
settlers. Its later desolaters, more
ruthless, have left no trace of its an-
cient and memorable mansions, save
the tall blackened chimneys and the
bare and crumbling walls of the old
church, around which the tombstones
of past generations grimly stand as
sentinels, bearing silent record of an- rxjins op st. john's coubch.
cestral honor and earlier patriotism.
The place selected for the camp was about midway between the
fort and Hampton. Several regiments were already encamped near
by. The name of Camp Hamilton had been given to the locality,
which was understood to ewhrace the entire camp. The 97th Regi-
ment encamped in a field next to one occupied by the 11th Pa.
Cav., commanded by Col. Josiah Harlan, of Chester Co., Pa. The
following Pennsylvania regiments were also at Camp Hamilton at
the same time, viz.: 45th, 55th and 76th Infantry.
The department was commanded by that veteran officer, Maj.
Gen. John E. Wool, U. S. A., and the post by Brig. Gen. James K.
F. Mansfield.
After the camp lines were established and the guards detailed
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90 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. [November,
and posted, orders were issued to have the ground cleared of weeds,
etc. (it being an old tobacco field), and to have wells dug in each
company street. The water being found about five feet below the
surface, the wells were walled by placing barrels, open at both ends,
in the hole, two or more on top of each other. In this manner,
water was procured during the greater portion of the term of ser-
vice in the Department of the South. It was generally good for a
time, but became brackish, and often quite bad, after the wells had
been long in use, requiring new wells to be dug.
Company and battalion drill were now resumed, the former gene-
rally in the morning and the latter in the afternoon, and dress
parade half an hour before sunset.
At the close of the first battalion drill, at Camp Hamilton, Col.
Guss complipaented his officers and men for their performance, and
said: "All that was wanted was a little more practice to make an
efficient and reliable regiment." The colonel being already greatly
beloved by his officers and men, in consequence of his kind and
considerate attention to their comfort and welfare constantly mani-
fested, caused praise of him to be heard from almost all in the
Regiment.
The line of outside pickets at the post extended along the stream
that separates Camp Hamilton from the village of Hampton, and
from the stream across to the beach, at a distance of about two
miles from the camp and near the same distance from the fort.
From the picket lines, drumming in the rebel camp was heard.
A few cavalry pickets were occasionally seen, but did not approach
our lines. The broad expanse of Hampton Roads, stretching away
to the westward from our camp, presented an attractive interest.
In the distance, occasionally the dark smoke of rebel steamers could
be seen moving behind Craney Island toward Sewell's Point, where
a rebel battery aided in barring the way to Norfolk and Portsmouth.
Nearer and in plain view could be seem the tall masts and spars of
the national vessels at anchor in the roads. The boding influence
of the coming storm seemed presaged in the dim and dusky autumn
air as a mirage of the conffict which a few weeks later burst so
suddenly upon the startled beholders of the memorable attack of the
Merrimac upon the Cumberland and other vessels of the fleet. De-
fenceless against the impetuous thrusts of her deep-cutting prow,
defeat and disaster seemed impending until the opportune arrival
of the flrst Monitor turned the tide of battle and rescued the
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1861.]
CAMP HAMILTON. 91
national fleet from the inevitable destruction that would otherwise
have ensued.
During the night of November 29, signal lights and rockets were
seen in the direction of Sewell's Point and heavy firing was heard
from near Norfolk. Firing had also been heard at intervals during
the previous afternoon. It was then supposed to be the enemy
practicing. On the 31st, heavy firing was again heard from beyond
Craney Island, the smoke from the guns being distinctly visible
from the camp. It proved to be a gunboat shelling a rebel supply
boat on its way to Sewell's Point.
BATTLE OF THE M0KI10K AND MBRRIMAC.
These incidents are noted as showing the eager interest mani-
fested by all in whatever afforded an opportunity of a nearer ex-
perience with the yet untried realities of the conflict of arms.
On December 3, 1861, a chill and dreary morning, about two
inches of snow covered the ground and it was very cold, but the
boys were all cheerful and ready for duty. Drill was postponed in
order to avoid unnecessary exposure of the men. In addition to
the usual routine, each company had been receiving instruction in
the skirmish drill, several having already attained considerable pro-
ficiency in the various deployments.
While at Camp Hamilton, several of the oflicers and men were
taken sick with violent cramping pains in the bowels, which the
surgeons attributed to vegetable impurities in the water, these cases
yielding readily to proper medical treatment.
On the 8th of December, 1861, at Fortress Monroe, Va., the
following men of the Regiment were discharged, upon surgeon's
certificate of disability, and returned to their homes; viz.: Taylor
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92 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. [December,
W. Harper, drummer, Co. C; John F. Cloud, wagoner, Co. D;
Privates Jacob B. James, Co. A; Joseph D. McGinnis, Co. B;
Thomas T. Esworthy and John Opperman, Co. F ; Stephen J.ohn-
son, Hugh McKenna and William Wright, Co. G; Charles Brown
and Taylor Wilson Mclntyre, Co. K. Most of these men again
entered the service in other regiments. One of them, William
Wright, returned to Co. G, 97th Regiment, early in 1863. These
discharges were ordered in consequence of the inability of the men
to accompany their Regiment, then under marching orders. Corp.
Henry G. Yocum, of Co. G, being also sick with measles, was left
at the hospital at Fortress Monroe, Va., when the Regiment em-
barked. He afterwards died, December 21, 1861, being the first
death of a member of the Regiment. He was buried, with military
honors, at West Chester, Pa., where his mother resided.
PLAN OF BATTLE AT FORT BOYAL HABBOR.
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1861] PORT ROYAL. 93
CHAPTER III.
Department of the South, Hilton Head, S. C; Warsaw Sound,
Ga.; Fort Clinch, Fernandina and Jacksonville, Fla.; Edisto
AND John's Island, S. C, December, 1861, to January, 1862.
OMMODORE DUPONT'S briUiant success, at Port
^ Royal, S. C, on November 7, 1861, and the subsequent
occupation of Hilton Head and Beaufort, S. C, by the
United States forces, had opened the way for more ex-
tensive operations in the Department of the South.
To this most interesting point the 97th Regiment was
now ordered. Col. Guss issued orders, early on the
morning of December 8, 1861, to strike tents and make
ready to pack up. By noon, the camp and garrison
equipage had been transferred to the wharf, and a detail engaged in
loading the baggage on board the transport. At 2 P. M., the Regi-
ment marched to the landing. One company at a time was then
taken upon a small steamer and transferred to the United States
steam transport Ericsson, at anchor in the bay. It was a tedious
process getting from the small vessel to the steamer, owing to the
decks being of different height, the guard rails obstructing the pass-
age of the men, encumbered with knapsacks, arms, accoutrements,
etc. Col. Guss superintended in person the embarkation and the
assignment of quarters to the companies, seeing that all were com-
fortably arranged, each company having its separate place where
the men could dispose of their arms, baggage, etc., and have a
guard to keep watch of it in turn.
The steamer lay at anchor in the bay until the morning of the
9th, weighed anchor at 11 A. M,, and was soon under way. Pass-
ing near the steam frigates Minnesota and Roanoke, the marines
ran up the rigging and gave three hearty cheers which our men
returned vrith a will.
Guard mounting was performed as prescribed for troops on ship-
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94
HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. [December,
board, the daily routine of duties and attention to the sanitary con-
dition of the men being strictly observed during the voyage.
After a very pleasant voyage of three days, the sea being perfectly
calm, reached the entrance to Port Royal Harbor, on the evening
of December 11, too late for a pilot to come out. The steamer lay
to, awaiting morning to enter, but, at 10 P. M., a storm coming
on, the captain headed the steamer seaward, and ran out to avoid
the dangers of the coast. For three days it continued with in-
creasing violence. The men suffered greatly from sea-sickness and
confinement below.
The billows tossed the ship like a shell upon their crests, while
the wind whistled shrill and moaningly through the cordage, as the
tempest spent its force over the wide expanse of waters, but the
timbers of the staunch steamer held together well, being strongly
built. It was a grand sight to witness, standing upon the deck at
night, looking out upon the seething cauldron over which the dark-
ness of the night rested, while beneath its pall the foaming billows
were lit up with the sparkling brilliancy of those mysterious lights
that seemed to dance upon the waters in very sportiveness, mar-
vellous in their beauty and source, intangible as the visions of fairy
land.
By the morning of December 14, the storm had so far abated as
to permit the steamer to venture into port. About 10 A. M., a
pilot was signalled, who came out. He brought the steamer to the
outer bar, at the entrance to Port Royal Harbor, where it was ne-
cessary to anchor and await high tide to enable the vessel to enter
in safety. At 4 P. M., weighed anchor, and
was soon safe in the bay of Port Royal, S. C.
PORT WALKER.
FORT BEAUREGARD.
Across the bay, Dupont's fleet was at anchor. His flagship Wa-
bash and the Susquehanna, conspicuous, received the admiration of
all eyes. Fort Walker, Hilton Head and Fort Beauregard, opposite
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1861.]
HILTON HEAD.
95
^'O'fl
STONE FLEET BLOCKADE.
on Bay Point, were also objects of interest, for here the enemy
made a most desperate resistance, which gave the greater eclat to
the success of the national fleet.
The men eagerly noted the eflfect
of the bombardment as they passed
in to anchor for the night. Three
of the dismantled hulks, brought
down to obstruct Charleston har-
bor, by sinking them loaded with
granite, were here, awaiting the
remainder of the stone fleet. On
December 20, sixteen of them
were sunk in the channels of
Charleston harbor, under the di-
rection of Fleet Captain Charles
H. Davis.
The men hailed the prospect of landing with delight, being worn
out with sea-sickness and close confinement on shipboard. On
December 15, disembarked in ligliters which came alongside the
steamer, each taking one company at a time. A detail was lefl to
miload and bring ashore the baggage.
The Regiment formed in line on the beach near Fort Walker, on
Hilton Head, then marched about half a mile to the rear of the
fort to encamp in a cotton field. The ground, uneven from the
ridges of last year's tillage, was covered with tall weeds, coarse
grass, prickly pear and a sharp sand-burr, quite annoying to come
in contact with. Tents were pitched temporarily, in the entangle-
ment of weeds and nightfall, cheerily by the men liberated from the
greater discomfort of the crowded transport. The 76th P. V, was
encamped in an adjoining field. At the instance of its adjutant,
William Darlington, a son of Dr. William Darlington, of West
Chester, the companies of that regiment made hot coffee and
brought to the Regiment to partake of while waiting for their tents
to arrive. The officers also invited the officers of the 97th to take
supper with them. The kindness was fully appreciated, and in that
evening's hospitality originated the fraternal feeling that in the
fiiture so strongly united these regiments in their after experiences
in the service.
For two days the men were employed in clearing and leveling the
ground for the camp and a portion of the field adjoining for drill
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96 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. [December.
ground, details from each company being made for the purpose.
Wells were also dug. The camp soon presented a contrast to the
wilderness of weeds into which the Regiment had marched. During
the work, many large shot, fragments of shell and some unexploded
shell, thrown by the gunboats during the bombardment, were found
by the men. They were objects of much interest and curiosity.
Some accidents occurred from the careless handling of the latter,
attempting to unload them or placing those supposed to be empty
upon the fires. The guns and accoutrements now received the
much needed attention, necessarily relaxed during the sea voyage,
owing to the sickness of the men and the crowded condition of the
vessel.
After these preparations, the regular routine of drill and disci-
pline was resumed and the bayonet exercise introduced. Dress
parade in the evening and guard mounting at post head-quarters,
in due form every morning, each regiment furnishing a portion of
the post guard in turn. Details of a company daily were also
made for work upon the intrenchments, in course of erection, as an
inland protection to the large amount of stores being concentrated
at Hilton Head, the depot of supplies for the department.
Brig. Gen. Thomas W. Sherman was in command of the Depart-
ment of the South, with head-quarters at Hilton Head, S. C, when
the Regiment landed, to whom Col. Guss reported for duty. 'I'he
land force consisted of three brigades, commanded, respectively, by
Brig. Gens. Egbert S. Yiele,
Isaac I. Stevens and Ho-
ratio G. Wright. To the
brigade of the latter the
' 97th Regiment was as-
■ signed by Gen. Sherman.
The principal offices of the
pope's house at HILTON HEAD. *^ ^
department were located in
the large mansion of Mr. Pope, conspicuous in appearance in con-
trast with the long lines of sheds and smaller houses erected for
quarters and government stores. A shot from one of the guns of
the bombarding fleet had penetrated and passed through it from
side to side. It was otherwise uninjured.
While on board the steamer, several of the men had been taken
sick with the measles, and after landing many were affected with
that disease, which prevailed for several weeks; but, with careful
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^*1 3 ADVANCE AT PORT ROYAL FERRY. 97
treatment and a propitious climate, the cases all recovered, leaving
none of the complications that often follow the disease in adults.
On December 23, the first inspection since landing at Hilton
Head. The arms presented the effects of rust caused by the salt
water and sea air of the voyage. Most of the men were known to
have done all in their power to keep their pieces bright and clean,
while on shipboard, the rust being inevitable from the influence of
the salt atmosphere.
About December 28, Capt. Mcllvaine, of Company H, received
a furlough for thirty days and returned home. 1st Lieut. Evans, of
Company A, was assigned to the command of Company H until the
return of Capt. Mcllvaine, which was on January 27, 1862, when
Lieut. Evans returned to duty in Company A.
On
iber
, a
and
be.
inst
>yal
C.
:om
egi.
be
ice.
ing
ard,
but
roll
The
ers.
Then arms were stacked and the men dismissed with
orders to keep on their accoutrements until the tap of the drum.
The advance being successful support was unnecessary. Marching
orders were countermanded and the excitement subsided.
7
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98 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. [January,
On January 2, 1862, Capt. Price, of Company C, was detailed,
with other officers and men of the Regiment, upon recruiting service.
An account of that service is given in another chapter. During
the absence of Capt. Price, the command of Company C devolved
upon 1st Lieut. Emmor G. Griffith until April, 1862.
On January 7, at Hilton Head, S. C, Private Henry Stephens, of
Company F, died, of congestive fever, and was buried on the follow-
ing day at the cemetery outside the intrenchments. This was the
first funeral in the Regiment.
Eleven enlisted men were discharged, for physical disability, at
Hilton Head, S. C, in January, 1862.
On January 21, 1862, an expedition was fitted out, at Hilton
Head, to operate against Fort Pulaski and some points on the
Florida coast. A brigade, consisting of the 6th Connecticut, 4th
New Hampshire, 9th Maine, and the 97th Pennsylvania, under
command of Gen. H. G. Wright, constituted the land force which
was designed to pass by way of Warsaw Sound, Wilmington River
and St. Augustine Creek, and enter the Savannah River in rear of
Fort Pulaski.
The 97th P. V. left its camp at 3 P. M., on the 21st, and em-
barked on the splendid steamer Boston, commanded by Capt. J. P.
Johnson, of Boston, Mass. He proved to be a prince of steamboat
captains and a staunch friend, whose kindness the Regiment was
fortunate in having many opportunities of enjoying. At the camp
upon Hilton Head, forty-six convalescent and sick men were left,
under the care of Dr. R. H. Smith, 1st sergeant of Company G. 2d
Lieut. James Hughes, of Company B, then physically disabled from
accompanying the expedition, was left in command. The weather
becoming quite stormy, delayed the movement until January 26,
when the fleet proceeded to Warsaw Sound, Ga., thirteen miles
bel(5w Savannah, and came to anchor at 4 P. M. on that day. At
8 A. M., on the 27th, six gunboats of the fleet advanced up the
Wilmington River to reconnoitre. Firing was heard frequently
during the day, the smoke being plainly visible from the transports.
On the 28th, at noon, heavy firing was heard in the direction of
Savannah River. Five rebel steamers appeared at 2.30 P. M., de-
scending Wilmington River. Our gunboats having returned opened
a brisk fire upon them, stopping their progress at a bend of the
river, frustrating their purpose of reconnoitering the operations of
the expedition.
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^^•^1 OPERATIONS AGAINST FORT PULASKI. 99
These were regarded as an eflfbrt to approach the city of Sa-
vannah by landing a force to march inland. A lodgment had
been made on Jones and Bird Islands, and batteries completed by
February 11, which eflfectually closed Savannah River in the rear of
Fort Pulaski. Meanwhile, other and more important progress was
being made upon the low marshy borders of Tybee Island, within
a few hundred yards of Fort Pulaski, where, in the silence of the
night, under cover of the dense growth of chaparral, a road was
built over the swamp, regarded wholly inaccessible, but which
Gilmore's men disproved by piling brush and pine poles together,
upon which sand, carried in boxes from the shore, was deposited,
finishing with a plank roadway, extending from the beach to the
batteries, over which the heavy siege guns and mortars, some weigh-
ing upwards of eight tons, were dragged on sling carts by the men,
two hundred being required for each heavy piece.
An old martello tower stands on
ahnost the only solid point of the island,
at the entrance to the river. It was an
object of great interest and curiosity.
Its builders would be, no doubt, more
perplexed at the result of modem engi-
neering, which has built such formid-
able batteries upon the swamps that lie
between it and Fort Pulaski, than our
men seemed to be with its quaint design
and strong concrete walls. Before these
preparations for the reduction of Fort
Pulaski were completed, the co-opera-
.\ ^ MARTBLLO TOWER, TYBEE ISLAND.
tive force, commanded by Gen. Wright,
having accomplished its object, was ordered to advance upon points
still further south. Gen, Gilmore, having placed his siege batteries
in order, was ready to open fire on April 9. On the morning of
the 10th, Gen. Hunter sent Lieut. J. H. Wilson, of the Topo-
graphical Engineers, who had made the principal explorations lead-
ing to these operations, to demand the surrender of the garrison
by its commander. Col. Charles H. Olmstead, of the 1st Georgia
Regiment. This being refused, in the declaration, ** I am here to
defend the fort, not to surrender it," at 8.15 A. M., the batteries
opened upon it and continued firing all day; five of the enemy's
I guns being silenced and the responses of the others becoming
; 5
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100 HISTORY OF THE NINET i'-SE VENTH REGIMENT. fFebniarT,
less frequent. Two
of Gilmore's guns
fired at intervals
ot eighteen minutes
through the night.
At sunrise, the next
morning, the batte-
ries opened afresh
with the greatest
vigor. A yawning
breach soon became
visible at a point
where the fire of
Sigel, Scott and Mc-
BREACH IN FORT PULASKI. Clellan concentrateu.
Yet the fort con-
tinued the fight bravely until 2 P. M., when preparations were made
to storm the work. A white flag was then displayed from the walls,
causing the fire to cease. Ten gyms were found dismounted. It
was a hard fought but almost bloodless contest, only one killed on
each side, the enemy having several wounded.
The fort, forty-seven heavy guns, a large supply of fixed ammuni-
tion, forty thousand pounds of powder, a large quantity of com-
missary stores and three hundred prisoners were the fruits of this
success.
The 97th Regiment, though not actually present at the bombard-
ment of Pulaski, may properly be regarded as assisting in its reduc-
tion through the advance by Warsaw Sound, entailing its measure
of suflfering, sacrificing the lives of several of its bravest and best
men, from the fevers contracted in the closely-crowded transports.
Of those left sick in the hospital, at Hilton Head, Private Hunter
Maxton, of Company F, died, January 25, of congestive fever, and
Sergt. Gerritt S. Hambleton, of Company C, died, January 31, 1862,
of typhoid fever. His death was universally lamented by the offi-
cers and men of his company, and by most in the Regiment, being
a young man of great worth and amiability, with bright talents and
promise, whose excellent and efficient qualities had already indi-
cated his selection for promotion to the first vacancy for a commis-
sion in his company. Through the exertions of his friend, faithful
companion and nurse, Corp. B. Lundy Kent, of the same company.
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^^5 FORT PULASKI AND WARSAW SOUND. 101
his body was sent home for interment, at Longwood Cemetery,
where, on the morning of February 16, 1862, his family and friends
gathered and sadly laid his remains in that quiet resting pkce.
Many touching tributes were paid to his worth, and aU felt that
his work, though scarcely begun, was yet complete in its earnest
devotion to the aim of a most noble purpose. This tribute to his
excellence of character and promise is taken from a letter, written
by Adjt. H. W. Carruthers, to a friend in West Chester, dated
Warsaw Sound, Ga., February 3, 1862: "* * * We left a
number of sick men in camp (at Hilton Head, S. C.) when we
started, and last night's intelligence informed us that two are dead.
One, G. S. Hambleton, a sergeant of Capt. Price's company, one of
the very finest young men in the Regiment. Physical strength,
beauty, kindness of heart and intellectual attainments of a high
order, were his. He was so strong and robust that I thought
disease would reach him the last of all. He died of typhoid fever.
* ♦ * H. W. C"
On February 1, on board steamer Boston, in Warsaw Sound, Ga.,
Private Joseph R. McKinley, ^ Company C. died, of ship fever,
after an illness of only a few hours. He was buried, on Warsaw
Island, the same evening. Lieut. Gardiner, of Company C, with a
detail for the purpose, went ashore to make the interment. While
thus engaged, the out-going tide left their boat aground, in a creek
too shoal to get out until the next tide, Lieut. Gardiner and party,
being obliged to remain ashore until morning without sufficient
shelter, suffered greatly froin the exposure.
On February 3, Companies B, C and F, under command of Lieut.
Col. Duer, with Dr. Miller in charge of the sick, were transferred
from steamer Boston to the Marion, in order to relieve the crowded
condition of the men. On February 9, all the troops were landed
on Warsaw Island to give the men an airing and exercise. On the
same day, details were sent from all the companies to Hilton Head
for a portion of the tents and clothing, which arrived on the 12th,
with most of the convalescents, who had been left behind. On
February 16, the Regiment landed and occupied tents near the
beach on Warsaw Island. Remained on the island until February
26. The men were drilled in company and battalion drill, having
dress parade every day.
On February 19, 2d Lieut. William Gardiner, of Company C,
died, after an illness of a few hours, of congestive fever. - It was im-
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102 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. [February,
possible to send his remains home, so he was buried beside Private
McKinley, on Warsaw Sound, near the broad Atlantic, beneath a
beautiful grove of live oak and palmetto. Sadly his comrades
lowered him into the grave and closed the earth above him, marking
with his name, age and rank the place where he lies.
The following notice of the death of Lieut. Gardiner appeared in
a West Chester paper, when the intelligence reached his home :
"Died, on board U. S. transport Boston, in Warsaw Sound, on
the coast of Georgia, on the morning of the 19th of February,
1862, after a short illness, Lieut. William Gardiner, of Company C,
in the twenty-fourth year of his age. Thus we record the fall of
another of the brave and patriotic young men of Company C, who,
but a few months ago, went forth from their homes and friends in
defence of their country. Truly in these instances is verified:
' Death loves a shining mark.'
"Gentle and unobtrusive in manner, even to extreme modesty,
the worth of Lieut. Gardiner was only known hy those intimately
associated with him. Attentive and efficient in duty, and closely
studious, he had acquired a proficiency seldom equalled in all that
pertains to the service. Unsolicited, and without any other influ-
ence, his own merit had secured his selection for a position which,
in filling, he honored, winning his way still deeper in the esteem and
aftection of his companions in arms, who sincerely mourn his loss.
" But who shall measure the depths of sorrow this sad event has
brought to his widowed mother, or realize the grief of his young
sister (now her only companion), while still other sons and brothers
are far away in the tented fields beyond the Potomac."
On February 26, orders were received to strike tents. At 2 P. M.,
Companies A, D, E, G, H, I and K, with the band, re-embarked
on the steamer Boston, and Companies B, C and F on board steamer
Marion. Every preparation was made for a move of the expedition,
but the vessels remained at anchor. Heavy firing was heard in the
direction of Savannah. The rebel Fort McAllister being in sight
of the fleet, the gunboats moved up the river and opened fire upon
it with shell. The enemy could be seen, by the aid of a field glass,
working their guns. The firing toward Savannah was again heard
on the 27th. The gunboats continued to operate upon the works
on Savannah and Wilmington Kivers. Formidable obstructions,
however, prevented a nearer approach to the city of Savannah.
Com. Dupont, in his flagship Wabash, arrived, from Hilton Head,
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8«31 CAPTURE OF FORT CLINCH AND FERNANDINA 103
on February 28, 1862, and transferred his flag to the smaller war
vessel, the Mohican. The fleet, consisting of twenty armed vessels
0BBTBUCTI0V8 IN BAYklTSkR RIYEB.
and eleven transports, put to sea at 4 P. M., the object being the
occupation of portions of the coast of Georgia and Florida.
On March 1, Corp. Joseph M. Lewis, of Company C, died of
ship fever, of which he had been ill since February 25. He was
buried at sea.
On Sunday, March 2, sighted land, and at 8 A. M. passed near
the Ughthouse on the north end of Cumberland Island, Ga., and en-
tered St. Andrew's Sound. The gunboats in advance sent a party
ashore to hoist the stars and stripes upon Cumberland Island Light-
house. At 12 M., the fleet anchored imtil the morning of the 3d,
when the light draft gunboats and transports passed along St. An-
drew's Sound towards St. Mary's Kiver. The larger vessels passed
down the coast to enter the St. Mary's River at Fort Clinch. These
came to anchor, outside the bar, at the mouth of St. Mary's River,
at 4.30 P. M.
Early on the morning of the 4th, the fleet again got under
weigh, passed the bar, entered the river within range of the enemy's
guns, at Fort Clinch, but encountered no opposition, the enemy
having evacuated the fort during the previous night without having
fired a shot to dispute the entrance of the fleet. Most of the
vessels passed up the river and came to anchor opposite the old
town of Femandina. The inhabitants had abandoned both that and
the larger town of New Fernandina, a mile farther up the river.
The exodus had been made in great haste, leaving tents and bag-
gage behind, the houses and stores being filled with furniture,
goods, etc. A few had managed to secure some of their effects by
carrying them away during the night upon the railroad. A loaded
train, just moving off, was stopped by a well-directed shot from the
gunboats, which killed two men. A small rebel coasting steamer,
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104 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. [March,
the Darlington, was also captured, after a chase up the river by two
armed boats, under Com. Rogers, of the navy. She was loaded
with women and children, mules, forage and other stores. The
town of St. Mary's, Ga., on the St. Mary's River, opposite to and
distant ten miles from Femandina, was also captured by Com.
Rogers, on the Ottawa, on the afternoon of March 5.
Fernandina was occupied by Gen. Wright's forces, the 97th P.
v., being the first regiment to land and establish the picket force,
having been on shipboard forty-four days, less ten days on Warsaw
Island. The picket force of the 97th^ in exploring beyond the line
established, came upon a masked battery that had covered the re-
treat of the rebels toward Harrison's Landing. Two guns were
captured and brought in. Thit? 4th New Hampshire was detailed
as patrol guard, to prevent pillage. The 9th Maine occupied a
position adjoining the camp of the 97th P. V., on the inland side
of the city.
Many negroes had remained and a few of the white residents,
principally of northern origin. Such of the houses as had been
abandoned were occupied, by order of the commanding general, as
head-quarters of the command and its departments, and for quarters
of officers attached to the expedition. Gen. Wright occupied the
house of late United States Senator Yulee, near the centre of the
town. Maj. Z. K. Pangborn, paymaster U. S. Vols., occupied Gov.
POBT CLINCH.
Broome's house. Fort Clinch, situated at the mouth of the St.
Mary's River, was garrisoned by Company E, 1st N. Y. Vol. En-
gineers, with Capt. Alfred F. Sears as constructing engineer, under
whose superintendence the work of completing and strengthening
the fort was at once commenced.
While at Femandina, the usual camp duties were performed by
the Regiment, and a detail for outside picket furnished, in turn,
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1862.] CAPTURE OF JACKSONVILLE, MAYPORT AND ST. AUGUSTINE. 105
with the other regiments of the brigade. Company and regimental
drill and dress parade, as usual.
A fleet of six gunboats, with the 4th New Hampshire, under
command of Col. Whipple, left Fernandina, on the 8th, and, on
March 12, captured the towns of Jacksonville and Mayport, on the
St. John's River, and St. Augustine, on the coast, all in Florida.
The rebels hastily evacuated those places on the approach of the
gunboats, setting fire to the mills and lumber at the former places,
by which a large amount of very valuable material was destroyed.
A few negroes and citizens remained, but the larger number either
fled voluntarily or were forced to leave by the enemy.
On March 9, Company A, with a detachment of cavalry, made
a scout to Harrison's Landing, about ten miles distant, near the
cBitre of the island, but found no sign of the enemy.
On March 12, 1862, the Regiment was paid by Maj. Z. K. Pang-
bom, paymaster U. S. Vols., to include December 31, 1861, being
the first payment received. It was made at Gov. Broome's house,
one company marching up at a time.
On March 12, Brunswick and Darien, two hamlets on St. Simon's
Somid, Gra., were captured by a portion of the fleet despatched from
Fernandina, on the 8th.
On March 24, the 97th was sent to reinforce the troops at Jack-
sonville, embarking, at 10 A. M., upon the steamer Cosmopolitan,
leaving the 9th Maine to garrison Fernandina, where it remained
for nearly a year. A few sick men of the 97th were left in the
hospital in charge of the surgeon of the 9th Maine. One of these,
Corp. John L. Morton, of Company I, died, of typhoid fever, on
March 28, and Harry Hunter, musician, of Company I, died, in the
general hospital, at Hilton Head, S. C, of chronic diarrhoea, April
1, 1862.
The Cosmopolitan, with Gen. H. G. Wright and staff and the
97th Regiment, on board, arrived at Jacksonville at 5 P. M. on the
24th. Slight opposition was encountered from rebel sharp-shooters,
posted on the bluffs on the banks of the river, but a few shell from
the gunboats soon drove them off. Upon landing, the troops were
quartered in storehouses and other large buildings that were found
unoccupied, the 97th being at the comer of Bayard and Orange
Streets, in a large warehouse.
The citizens reported a heavy force of rebels in the vicinity of
the city and seemed apprehensive of their return. A strong picket
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106 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. [March,
force was advanced about half a mile beyond the town, and a line
of earthworks established, upon which the troops were engaged for
several days in completing and strengthening to guard against as-
sault from a superior force.
At midnight on the 24th, the picket guard was fired upon. One
man of the 4th New Hampshire was killed and one wounded, by
a party of rebels attacking one of the outposts, also capturing five
men of the 4th New Hampshire. The advance of the enemy was
checked by the return fire, their loss being one killed and two
taken prisoners. On the 25th, escaping contrabands coming in
reported the rebel forces within two miles of the picket lines.
Several rebel deserters came in during the night of the 25th. On
the 28th, pickets of the 97th fired upon rebel cavalry scouts. On
same day, details of axemen went out to cut down the timber to
prevent rebels approaching the position under cover, an armed
force being sent in advance to protect the choppers from the rebel
sharp-shooters. On the 29th, the rebels advanced in force to re-
connoitre. The advance guard and the wood-choppers came in from
the front. Gen. Wright's forces were held in readiness for the
attack, but the rebels did not seem ready to come within reach of
the gunboats. Afterward, under a flag of truce, a rebel colonel
several times came into the lines, and was sent to head-quarters,
where he remained several hours and then passed out again, being
escorted in and out by a guard. The first time was on March 30 ;
again on April 1 and 2. It was reported that his object in coming
was to have the women and children sent out of town previous to
an attack upon the place. Great indignation was felt and mani-
fested, by many of the officers and men, that a rebel officer should
be permitted to pass and repass through the Union lines and forces
to head-quarters, repeatedly, giving ample opportunity for acquiring
information as to the strength and position. Frequent allusions to
the army regulations in respect to flags of truce, and the pro-
ceedings proper to be observed in regard to them, were heard pass-
ing between the men, who knew what those requirements and pro-
priety should dictate. A due regard for their own observance of
these regulations prevented a summary stop being put to the irregu-
larity; otherwise, the pickets were ready to keep the rebel colonel
on his own side of the line.
On March 30, Companies A and C of the 97th, under command
of Capt. F. M. Guss, with an aid of Gren. Wright, went out to re-
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^^] EVACUATION OF JACKSONVILLE. 107
connoitre the position of the enemy. They advanced three miles
beyond the picket lines, but met only small parties of rebel scouts,
who kept at a safe distance. They returned to their quarters at
sunset
At Jacksonville, on April 3, 1862, Private Joseph Yocum, of
Company A, died, of congestive fever, and was buried on the 4th in
a church burial ground in the outskirts of the city.
On Sunday, April 6, the Cosmopolitan arrived at Jacksonville,
from Hilton Head, bringing the convalescent members of the Regi-
ment left at that place in January ; also regimental baggage, horses
ambulances, etc. About twenty recruits for the Regiment arrived
and were assigned to Companies I and K.
By the arrival of the steamer Cosmopolitan, information that Gen.
T. W. Sherman had been relieved of the command of the Depart-
ment of the South, March 31, by Maj. Gen. David Hunter, was
received, with orders to Gen. Wright to evacuate Jacksonville.
Accordingly, during the night of April 7, the troops not on duty,
and many of the citizens, were embarked on board the transports
Cosmopolitan and Belvidere and the schooner Magnum Bonum,
belonging to Mr. John Forrest, sutler of the 97th. These vessels
were crowded to their utmost capacity. During the preparations
for evacuating. Private Miles, of Company E, one of the hospital
attendants, having had unusual facilities for testing the quality of
the hospital stores, while packing up, became extremely hilarious,
and meeting Gen. Wright upon the street accosted him, and with
great familiarity expressed his opinion in regard to the movement,
saying, " General, I thought you'd have to vaceate," which freedom
the general promptly rewarded by an order for an escort for Private
Miles to safe quarters under guard. Miles subsided under protest,
giving vent to still further opinions in regard to military affairs in
general and this one in particular. '' General, I thought you'd have
to vaceate," remained a familiar expression in camp for a long time.
At 1 P. M., on the 8th, the outer line of pickets was withdrawn,
at dusk the inner lines were brought in and all embarked on board
the transports, which remained at anchor until next morning, the
9th. The wharf was then crowded with citizens; among them ap-
peared some rebel soldiers, conspicuous with whom was observed
the colonel of flag-of-truce notoriety. There was no demonstration
of attack; but, as the vessels moved off in the morning, many
exasperating expressions were heard. The men were almost ready
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108 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SBVENTH REGIMENT. [April,
to discharge a parting salute of ball cartridge at the colonel and
some of the demonstrative rebels on shore, but no such indiscretion
occurred.
In passing down the river, the gunboats threw a few shell into
the woods at the bluffs, where the rebels had fired upon the vessels
in coming up, to prevent danger from the repetition, the transports
being now so crowded as to present sure marks for rebel rifles.
^ At 2 P. M., came to anchor at the mouth of the St. John's River,
the weather being too rough to cross the bar with vessels so
crowded. On the 10th, it being more favorable, the transports
started, arriving safely at Femandina at sunset. The Regiment
landed and encamped near Gov. Broome's house. On April 11,
Lieut. Evans, of Company A, was temporarily assigned to the com-
mand of Company C, on account of the illness of Lieut. Griffith
and the absence of Capt. Price on recruiting service.
On April 13, 1862, Gen. Wright's forces returned to Hilton
Head, S. C, leaving five companies of the 4th New Hampshire and
the 9th Maine to occupy Fort Clinch and Femandina, the remain-
ing companies of the 4th New Hampshire being at St. Augustine,
Fla. The 97th embarked in the steamer Cosmopolitan, arrived at
Hilton Head, at sunset on the 13th, anchored for the night in the
harbor, landed on the 14th and encamped near the west sally port
of the intrenchments. The men were allowed a day to clean and
fix up arms, accoutrements, clothing, etc. The regular duties and
drills were then resumed, the usual detail for post, picket, guard
and fatigue duty being made daily.
Peter O'Neil, a private of Company E, died in the hospital, at
Hilton Head, of typhoid fever, April 11. He was buried in the
national cemetery, outside the intrenchments.
On April 17, a guard of fifty men, of Company C, was detailed
to conduct the rebel prisoners, taken at Fort Pulaski, from the
provost guard quarters to the New York steamer.
On the 18th, the Regiment was paid by Maj. Julian O. Mason,
at Hilton Head, to include February 28, 1862.
At this time, 2d Lieut. A. N. Morton, of Company I, who had
resigned on account of physical disability, left for home. Four
men of the Regiment were also discharged on the same account.
The additional recruits received for Companies I and K had not
yet advanced the aggregate sufficiently to allow of the muster of
Capts. Hawkins and Wayne, nor had Col. Guss yet obtained his
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^^ J OCCUPATION OP JAMES ISLAND. 109
muster. This fact being brought to the notice of Gen. Hunter,
he directed the immediate muster of those officers by the following
letter to Gen. H. G. Wright, commanding division:
Head-Quarters 1st District, Dept. South,
Hilton Head, S. C, April 19, 1862.
General: The commanding general, being informed that Col.
Guss, with his non-commissioned regimental staff, two principal
musicians and company officers of two companies of the 97th P. V.,
with Capt. G. W. Hawkins, of Company I (if not included above),
have not been mustered into service. By direction of Gen. Hunter,
he wishes you to muster those parties into the service of the United
States, from the date the Regiment was ordered into the field or
from the date of their joining the same if subsequent thereto.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
H. W. Ben^am, Brig. Gen.
[Signed] A. B. Ely, A. A. A. G.
Gol. Guss was accordingly mustered, by Gen. Wright, to rank
from July 25, 1861; Capt. Hawkins, from October 29, 1861; Capt.
Wayne, from November 16, 1861, and the non-commissioned regi-
mental staff to rank from October 29, 1861.
Preparatory to the first advance against Charleston, S. C, Gen.
Wright was ordered, by Gen. Hunter, to occupy North Edisto
Island, S. C.
The 97th Regiment struck tents on April 19, marched to the
wharf and embarked on the steamer Delaware. Several sick men
were sent to the general hospital at Hilton Head. Left the harbor
at 1 P. M. and came to anchor in Edisto River at 7 P. M. Landed
on North Edisto Island, at noon on the 20th, encamping about a
quarter of a mile from the landing. The 55th P. V. occupied the
field adjoining, having previously arrived. Each company of that
regiment served the corresponding company of the 97th with coffee,
a favor mutually reciprocated whenever an opportunity presented.
After getting the camp established, and the tents well shaded by
green boughs and palmetto leaves laid upon supporting poles, the
troops were again regularly and efficiently drilled in company and
battahon movements. Gen. .H. G. Wright, inspected, reviewed and
mustered for pay the regiments of his command on April 30, 1862.
Gen. H. W. Benham, commanding the northe/n district of the de-
partment, also reviewed the 97th Regiment on May 6.
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110 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. [May,
At North Edisto, on May 2, 1862, the following officers having
resigned and being honorably discharged, for disability, left the
Regiment and returned to their homes, viz.: Capt. Jesse L. Cum-
mins, Company G; 1st Lieuts. Emmor G. Griffith, Company C;
John H. Babb, Company E, and Thomas S. Taylor, Company H.
George W. Myers, a member of the band, and Privates Albert P.
Painter and Edward H. Taylor, of Company H, being discharged,
on account of physical disability, returned at the same time. Myers
died soon after reaching home. Corp. B. L. Kent, of Company C,
was detailed to accompany Lieut. Griffith to his home, he being so
much prostrated as to require constant attention. On May 26, 2d
Lieut. James Hughes, of Company B, resigned and returned home
on account of ill health. Twelve enlisted men of the Regiment,
having been discharged, on surgeon's certificate of disability, re-
turned at the same time. During the month of May, Companies B,
G, H, I and K eaclf lost a man by death, from typhoid fever, at the
United States general hospital, at Hilton Head. Two men also
died, of typhoid fever, at North Edisto: Jacob Lawrence, of Com-
pany A, on the 16th, and Elias H. Smith, of Company F, on the
30th. Both were buried in the ground attached to an Episcopal
church about four miles distant from the camp.
On May 29, Companies A, B and C were detailed as cover to
the engineers while erecting a wharf, on John's Island, opposite to
Edisto, for the landing of troops, artillery, etc., preparatory to the
advance. The men were in light marching order, with two days'
cooked rations in haversacks. They marched about three miles
from the landing and established a picket line. Gen. Wright ac-
companied the advance. Cavalry scouts of the enemy were seen
observing the movements, but they did not advance very closely to
the lines.
On May 30, Companies A, B and C, on duty on John's Island,
were relieved by Companies F, G and I of the 97th, the former
returning to camp on Edisto. The latter companies remained on
duty until the 31st, being then relieved by three companies of the
6th Connecticut.
On May 31, the 76th P. V. arrived at North Edisto and was at-
tached to Gen. Wright's Brigade.
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^^•] JAMES ISLAND. HI
CHAPTER IV.
General Hunter's Advance toward Charleston; Campaign
UPON James Island; Action at Grimball's Plantation and
Secessionville, S. C; June, 1862.
.REPARATIONS having been completed for the ad-
vance toward Charleston, on June 2, Gen. Hunter
ordered the troops upon North Edisto to cross the
river preliminary to the march across John's Island.
Gen. Wright was now placed in command of the
entire force. The brigade packed up all extra bag-
gage and clothing, and left most of the tents, etc.,
with a small detail of men, chiefly convalescents, at
the camp of the 97th, under command of Capt. Mc-
Connell, of Company E. One of the sick left at Edisto, Private
Samuel Drake, of Company D, died of climatic fever, June 8, and
was buried at Fort Edisto, by the 55th P. V. which remained there
on garrison duty. The troops crossed the Edisto, on that day, on
lighters and small transports and then marched three miles to Live
Oak Point, where they
encamped for the night.
The 97th P. V., then
numbering eight hun-
dred and forty men fit
for duty, crossed the
riyer in the rebel steam-
boat Planter, which had
been run out of Charles-
ton Harbor, a few days
previously, by her pilot, the planter.
Robert Small, a colored
man, with a colored crew of eight men. He had contrived to get
his family on board the evening previous 'and then started his
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112 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. [June,
steamer on a desperate attempt to pass under the guns of Fort
Sumter, which he accomplished in safety, by giving the usual
signals, which deceived the enemy. He was now its commander,
and his boat engaged in transport duty.
The march to Live Oak Point was during the heat of a day un-
usually sultry. Many of the men threw away clothing, blankets,
etc., and several were quite overcome by the heat. A man of the
76th P. V. was reported to have fallen dead by the way. Com-
panies B and C of the 97th were detailed for picket and went on
duty at sunset.
During the morning of the 3d, before being relieved from picket,
Company B, was fired upon several times by rebel cavalry scouting
parties. Gen. Wright had sent out some cavalry, the evening
before, to reconnoitre, but the rebel scouts kept well out of the
way until after the return of the cavalry to camp. The forces not
having all crossed the river on the 2d, the march was not resumed
on the morning of the 3d, and was still further delayed by heavy
rain. While visiting the pickets, on the 3d, Lieut. Col. Duer, get-
ting rather beyond the line, had a narrow chance of capture by a
party of about forty rebel cavalry scouts passing along a road cross-
ing the one taken by Lieut. Col. Duer, arriving at the junction
a few minutes after he passed on his way back to the lines. This
cavalry force was constantly engaged in watching the movement,
during the march, keeping just beyond rifle range.
On the 4th, the troops were arranged in the order in which they
were to march in column and every preparation made for the ad-
vance. But the continued rain prevented marching, and also made
it very uncomfortable for the men, who had no other shelter than
gum blankets.
By daylight on the 6th, the march commenced, though the rain
was unabated. It continued through most of the day. The roads
were very muddy and cut up by the artillery and cavalry. Marched
fourteen miles to Legareeville. on the Stono River, which was
reached at 3 P. M., just as the rain ceased. The troops occupied
the deserted houses of that place, where the men were soon engaged
in preparing coffee, drying their saturated clothing and making
themselves comfortable as possible aft;er their tiresome, disagreeable
march.
At Legareeville, on the evening of June 5, 1862, Capt. Price, of
Company C, Lieut. S. Morton, of Company I, and their men, re-
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^^1 RECONNOISSANCE ON JOHN*S ISLAND. 113
joined the Regiment from recruiting service. Capt. Price resumed
the command of his company. Lieut. Evans, temporarily in com-
mand of Company C, returned to duty in Company A.
On June 6, continued rain prevented further movements. On
the 7th, the 97th Regiment, with two companies of the 1st Massa-
chusetts Cavalry, under the command of Col. H. R. Guss, made a
reconnoissance toward the main land, on the left of the advance, to
ascertain the position and strength of the enemy in that direction.
After marching about seven miles, the rebel pickets were encoun-
tered and, after a brisk skirmish, driven from their position, leaving
two prisoners, with their horses, arms, accoutrements, etc., in our pos-
session. The men had marched rapidly and eagerly, keeping well
up with the cavalry. When the enemy was encountered. Com-
panies A and B were advanced as skirmishers. Company A on the
right, under command of Capt. F. M. Guss, and Company B on the
left, under command of Capt. W. B. McCoy. These companies
made a rapid rout of the enemy's pickets, capturing the two
prisoners who failed to evade the line of skirmishers thrown across
the road by which they sought to escape. Our loss was as follows:
Private Robert L. Black, Company A, wounded through the right
arm, and Corp. William Deisem, of Company B, in the left knee.
One of the cavalry horses, shot in the foot, had to be killed. The
97th advanced half a mile further, the skirmishers being kept out
on the right and left of the road. Upon arriving near to a bridge,
over a stream separating from the main land or another island, a
masked battery was discovered, on the other side, which commanded
the bridge and causeway leading to it. To ascertain the position
and availability of this crossing was part of the object of the re-
connoissance. This was accomplished, as far as possible, without
assaulting the position, which, without artillery and direct orders,
could not be attempted. As night was at hand. Col. Guss set out
to return to Legareeville with his command and prisoners. It soon
became very dark. A heavy storm, with violent thunder, lightning
and rain, rendered the march both difficult and dangerous. Reached
quarters at 9.30 P. M. Col. Guss reported to Gen. Wright the
result of his reconnoissance and received the thanks of that officer
for the promptness and success of his operations.
The gunboats had moved up the Stono River to Wappoo Creek
and shelled the enemy from their position on James Island, about
May 20, being unsupported by the land force, delayed by lack of
8
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114 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. [June,
transportation, necessitating the march across John's Island, which
was still fiirther delayed by continued heavy rains. The landing
of Gen Stevens' division, on James Island, on June 8, was fol-
lowed by Gen. Wright's command, on the 9th; the 6th Connec-
ticut and 97th P. V. being on the same transport, crossing from
Legareeville to the landing. A large balloon had been observed
for some hours, in process of being filled, near what was afterwards
known as Stevens' Landing. It was intended for use in observing
the position and movements of the enemy, but it was not made
available to any very useful extent in the department.
Gen. Wright occupied a position at Grimball's Plantation, his
head-quarters being in the GrimbaU mansion, his command en-
camped in close proximity thereto, the 97th P. V. occupying the
river bank on the right of the landing. The tents and baggage of
the Regiment, left at Edisto, had been ordered forward, but did not
arrive until a few days later. When Gen. Wright's command
moved over from John's to James Island, Companies G and H of
the 97th, one company of the 1st Massachusetts Cavalry, under
command of the lamented Capt. Manlius Sargent, and one section of
Capt. Hamilton's Battery, with two guns, were left at Legareeville,
under command of Lieut. Col. A. P. Duer, of the 97th P. V.
The position was one of considerable importance, it being neces-
sary to prevent the enemy from gaining access to the river side, in
rear of the transports and supplies, the buildings of the town
affording opportunity of concealment and shelter to a hostile force.
Two gunboats, the Helen, commanded by Lieut. Harris, and the
Norwich, commanded by Capt. Jesse Duncan, were assigned to cover
the land force at Legareeville.
A constant and careful watch was kept, by Lieut. Col. Duer's
command, upon the movements of the rebels on John's Island, and
several reconnoissances were made to ascertain the position and
strength of the enemy, whose cavalry scouts were to be seen con-
stantly on the alert, watching every movement.
Shortly previous to the evacuation of James Island, this command
was ordered to join the main force upon that island. A small steam
transport was sent to embark the troops. In the evening, the guns
and baggage were placed on board, and the force moved to the ex-
treme point of the peninsula, to be ready for embarkation at the
early morning tide, the picket line outside the town remaining
in position. The watchfulness of the enemy had detected this
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^*^-^ OCCUPATION OP JAMES ISLAND. 115
movement, and, about midnight, an attack was skillfully made by
them, silently marching on the Stono River beach, which was
deemed impassable, owing to its swampy condition. A charge was
made in the rear of the picket line upon the town, and was a per-
fect surprise to the picket force, which retreated to the cover of
the houses. The command lying near the boat was rapidly and
quietly roused from their sleep and put under arms in a manner
that reflected great credit upon their drill and commanding officers.
A portion of the force remained in charge of the boat, which was
aground, while the main force made an advance in skirmish parties
upon the rebels in the town, from which, after considerable firing,
they were driven. ^ Several small arms were captured, but the
wounded were removed by the retreating foe under cover of the
night. In the morning, the command embarked and joined the
main force on James Island.
The forces of Maj. Gen. Isaac Ingalls Stevens having landed on
James Island, about two miles nearer the mouth of Stono River
than Gen. Wright's position. Gen. Stevens had advanced his lines
with his right flank resting upon the inlet which separates James
from Cole Island, extending his left towards Gen. Wright's position,
joining the right of the latter near the edge of a swamp that par-
tially separated the two positions.
Gen. Wright's line extended on the left to a point on the Stono
River, about a mile above the landing, a bend in the river affording
ample protection to his left flank and rear, the picket line being
on an average near one and a half miles from the river. The enemy
was found to be strongly intrenched near Secessionville, about two
and a half miles in front of our right and centre, and had obstructed,
at all advantageous points, the approaches toward the city of
Charleston, in front of our left. The enemy's guns, at Tower Bat-
tery, near Secessionville, covered our entire position, several shot
having been thrown over the camp into the river during the landing
of the troops, and occasionally over the tents during the occupancy
of the island, but the gunboats soon got the range of the battery
and kept their guns quiet. A strong line of earthworks was imme-
diately thrown up just outside the camp lines of each division.
Preparations were also made for mounting Parrott guns of sufficient
power to reach the enemy's batteries. The fleet, meanwhile, kept
the enemy from interfering materially with these operations.
The 97th was detailed for picket on the evening of June 9, after
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116 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SETENTH REGIMENT. 1^^°^'
landing on James Island, went to the front at sunset and occupied
the right of the line adjoining Gen. Stevens' left. The line being
established considerably in advance of the position held by the force
that was being relieved, upon ground where rebel cavalry scouts
had been observed, the afternoon previous, watching the landing of
the troops from the shelter afforded by woods and the dense growth
of hedges skirting the fields.
The rebel batteries shelled the lines during the night, but there
was no advance made upon the position nor were any of the men
wounded by the shell. A casualty, however, occurred in Company
A, 1st Sergt. Thomas E. Weber being wounded, in both thighs,
by a shot from one of the men of Company D, who had been placed,
under a misapprehension of the line, in an unauthorized position,
in the rear of Company A.
On the morning of June 10, the rebels threw a few shell from
Tower Battery into Gen. Stevens' lines, and, at about 2 P. M., com-
menced shelling the line of pickets in front of Gen. Wright, the
position occupied by the 97th P. V. The men remained steady at
their posts, under a terrific storm of shell from the rebel works, one
shell exploding in the camp of the Regiment, but only a few men
being in camp no one was injured. Indications of a contemplated
attack by the rebels were observed, by the pickets of the 97th,
during the morning. About noon, rebel skirmishers, seen cautiously
crawling under cover of the high grass and chaparral toward the
lines, were fired upon and driven back. About 4 P. M., the
pickets of the 47th New York, posted next on the left of the 97th
P. v., were suddenly surprised by the advance of the enemy
through the woods. An advanced outpost of fifteen men of that
regiment, stationed at the edge of the wood, gave the signal of the
approach by firing a volley and continued firing as they fell back
upon a portion of the reserve, stationed at another angle of the
wood, on a line with the main portion of the picket line. This
force consisted of Company D, 47th New York, with portions of
Companies I and H, of the 45th P. V. and Companies B and F, of
the 97th P. V.
The rebels advanced confidently through the woods, evidently
with intention of capturing that portion of the line, with its re-
serve. But the men emptied their cartridge boxes on the ground
before them and, lying down, opened a continuous fire upon the ad-
vancing foe, maintained their position, the rebels coming to within
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1W2.] ACTION AT GRIMBALL'S PLANTATION, JAMES ISLAND. 117
ten yards of them. 'ITiis determined resistance caused the enemy
to fall back with heavy loss, removing many of their wounded.
In the meantime, the main body of the picket reserve force, stationed
about two hundred yards in rear of the centre of the line under
command of Col. H. R. Guss, who was also in command of the
entire picket force, was, by that officer, promptly moved up to the
support of the troops already engaged. The left of Company C, on
the picket line, occupied a position which, after the 47th New
York had been driven in by the rebels, was exposed to the rebel
fire in the rear, and liability to capture, at any moment of advan-
tage on the part of the enemy. Capt. Price withdrew the portion
of his company thus exposed, leaving the remainder to occupy
the position not endangered, from which the other portion of the
line could be observed and guarded. With the men thus with-
drawn, Capt. Price joined Col. Guss as he advanced into action.
The firing having ceased for about twenty minutes, after the first
repulse of the enemy, was suddenly resumed. Two rebel regiments,
which proved to be the 47th Georgia and a Louisiana regiment,
under command of Col. WiUiams, of the 47th Georgia, having ad-
vanced cautiously through the wood, renewed the attack with great
vigor. CoL Guss had advanced his reserve during the first attack,
under a heavy fire, his left had joined the line of forces already en-
gaged, then swinging his right around, by a change of front, for-
ward, the left standing fast, he formed an angle enclosing the
comer of the wood in which the enemy was sheltered. He delibe-
rately arranged his forces for battle, riding up and down the line in
front of his men, urging them to observe steadiness and coolness,
upon which their success depended. His example was electric in
its effect, and when the command to fire was given, the flashing
guns seemed like the voice of a torrent irresistible in force, for the
men were rendered cool and brave by the coolness and bravery of
their commander himself, in the thickest of the danger.
The fire being inward firom two lines of an angle, made a raking
cross fire upon the position of the enemy, rendering the trees no
protection. The engagement occupied nearly two hours, hotly con-
tested on both sides. No battle field during the war has been the
scene of more tenacious, determined and gallant fighting than en-
sued on the part of our men. From the peculiarity of the country,
abounding in thick underbrush, the enemy were enabled to keep
well under cover, while our men were obliged to hunt them from
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118 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEYENTH REGIMENT. [Jane,
their hiding places or wait for uncerJain glimpses through the
dense undergrowth in the wood, themselves exposed to an almost
unobstructed fire. Notwithstanding these disadvantages, the men
fought like veterans, standing up before the enemy's galling
musketry without wavering.
A portion of Company E, 3d U. S. Artillery, commanded by
Capt. Hamilton, of that company, with a section of artillery, had,
at the commencement of the attack, taken position at an elevated
point, where it made some splendid shots, rendering eflfective
service. The gunboats also sent some heavy shot and shell crashing
through the wood, cutting off trees and limbs, which served to
render the position of the rebels still more precarious. After un-
successfully chargin^r upon several points of the line, the enemy
gave up the attempt to drive us from our position. The rebel
commander withdrew his forces with precipitation, leaving seventeen
dead upon the field. Eight wounded were also brought off the field
and tenderly cared for by the surgeons and their attendants. The
wounded prisoners reported that many of their killed and wounded
had been carried off the field during the action. Two of their
number afterward died. One was a captain of the 47th Georgia
regiment, a brother of the colonel commanding. He was struck by
seven shot, and died the day after the action. The rebel dead were
buried where they fell by the men. Our loss, in killed and wounded^
during the action, was as follows: killed. Private Hemry Dunn,
Company B, shot in left breast; Corp. Edward Corcoran, Company
E, shot in forehead; Private George E. Wright, Company F, shot
in neck; wounded: Corp. David H.J^rney, Company B, in both
legs; Privates George W. Wonderly^ompany B, right breast and
left arm amputated; Sanu^l J. Day, Company B, forehead and le^
wrist; Benjamin English, Company B,right^ip; Henry W. Martin,
Company B, fo^head; George McNelley, Company B, left side;
Daniel Sullivan, Company E, head; Hugh Hale, Company F, dislo-
cated ankle; Lewis Miller,^Company K, left knee; Hen^ B.
Thomasj/Company K, left arm and left side; Isaac Harper, Com-
pany K, left thigh; William C. Lewis, Company K, right foot.
The 47th Georgia was the same that met the 8th Michigan at
Wilmington Island, on April 19, 1862, and which proved itself at
that time to be an organizatinn equal to any in the rebel service.
During the action. Gen. Wright's entire force was drawn up, in
line of battle, a quarter of a mile in rear of the position occupied
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1^] ACTION AT GRIMBALL'S PLANTATION, JAMES ISLAND. 119
by the artillery, a commanding point for a general engagement, it
being supposed that the force engaged would be compelled to fall
back to a more secure position. After the action, the line of
pickets was re-established. It being nearly dark when the enemy
retired, it was not deemed advisable to follow their retreat into
forests and swamps that furnished such ample opportunities for
ambuscade.
The following extracts from the published accounts, fiirnished by
the Chester County Times, may be of interest to preserve as part of
the record:
"7%« Ninety-seventh heard from! Gallant repulse of the enemy!
Charleston. S. C, is the cradle of the rebellion, and as such the sol-
dier who has taken part in its approach, siege, capture or reduction
is entitled to our highest gratitude and praise. Within a few miles
of that city, having marched overland from Edisto, through an un-
known hostile country, constructing bridges, removing obstructions
and fording creeks, is Gen. Wright's brigade, of which Col. Guss'
Regiment constitutes a part. Scarcely a letter did we receive from
our Chester County boys in which they did not express a hope of
distinguishing themselves for true valor and grit. The chance has
been vouchsafed them, attended by an overwhelming victory. We
are at this writing enabled to produce the following extracts from
newspaper correspondence:
"After describing the action, as already detailed, the New York
Herald correspondent says: * ♦ ♦ ♦ j think no battle field of
this war has been the scene of more tenacious, determined and gal-
lant fighting than ensued on the part of our men. From the pecu-
liarity of the country, which abounds in all portions with thick
nnderbrush, the enemy were enabled to keep themselves under
cover, while our men were obliged either to hunt them from their
hiding places or wait for uncertain glimpses through the dense shrub-
bery. Notwithstanding these disadvantages our men behaved like
veterans, standing up before the enemy's galling fire of musketry
without wavering or wincing. ♦ ♦ ♦ The fire of our troops
was most efiective. After charging wildly at all points of the line,
the rebel commander gavp up the attempt and his forces fell back
in hotter haste tlian they came up. * * * Col. Guss, of the
97th Pennsylvania, who had command of our forces during the
fight, rode gallantly up and down the line encouraging his men, and
though prominently exposed, in the thickest of the fight, escaped
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120 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. [Jane
without harm. There were numerous other hair-breadth escapes,
to be accounted for only by the fact that the fire was so rapid and
the smoke, in consequence, so dense as to partially keep the men
from view. ♦ ♦ ♦ >
"From the New York Times: * Our latest information from the
division advancing toward Charleston is to the following effect: On
Tuesday afternoon, the 10th inst., the 97th Pennsylvania, part of
the 47th New York and two companies of the 6th Connecticut were
attacked, at a point distant three miles from Gen. Stevens' position,
by a large force of rebels. The fight was warmly contested for over
two hours and ended with the rout of the rebels, with loss as fol-
lows: seventeen killed, six prisoners and about thirty wounded.
The killed were buried by our troops. Our losses were three killed
and thirteen wounded of the 97th Pennsylvania. The action is
represented as having been close, but our boys fought like heroes.'
"From the New York Tribune: 'On the 10th, there was another
skirmish (the italics will be pardoned by the correspondent, we
thought it a fight) with the enemy in front, in which the enemy, the
attacking party, were repulsed, with slight loss on our side, say
three or four killed, and a much greater loss on theirs. Our forces
were composed of the 47th New York [two companies only] and
the 97th Pennsylvania. Both regiments did well and each secured
the congratulations of their friends."
"It is interesting to notice the friendly and not unwholesome
rivalry that exists between the corps of the different States. Take,
as an illustration, a colloquy that took place, yesterday, between a
New York and Pennsylvania colonel, on the subject of the battle :
' Well, colonel, that was quite a brilliant affair.' *Yes, the 97th
did well.' 'The 47th, you mean.' 'No, I mean the 97th.' 'No,
sir, you are quite mistaken ; the brunt of that action fell upon the
47th.' ' How comes it, then, that the only men killed were those of
the 97th Pennsylvania Regiment]' 'Yes, that is a fact; they were
in the reserve.' 'Odd that they should have began by attacking
our reserves; but,' continued Pennsylvania, 'who was in command
of our forces'? was it not Col. Guss of the 97th]' 'Bully for yoU,
colonel, you have got me there; but the 47th did nobly.' 'So they
did, and all honor to them;' and the friendly dispute ended in a
laugh all around."
The 97th was relieved from picket, by the 76th P. V., on the
evening after the action. The rebels continued to shell the lines of
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^^^ OPERATIONS ON JAMES ISLAND. 121
picket at intervals,
both day and night,
and frequently fired
upon them stealthily,
under cover of the
darkness, and made
many desperate at-
tempts to drive them
from their position,
but without success,
for the picket main-
tained careful watch-
fubess, often ad-
vancing through the
woods to observe the ''''''''^ '''' ''''''^'
movements of the enemy, whose pickets were equally on the alert.
The 1st New York Engineers were engaged in erecting works
on which to mount two thirty-pound Parrott guns and one large
James gun that had been effectively used in breaching Fort Pulaski.
Details for this work were furnished by the 97th and other regi-
ments.
On the evening of June 12, Companies E, F and K of the 97th
were detailed for outpost duty, and advanced upon a road leading
to Charleston, reaching the junction of a road toward Wappoo Cut
and the Stono River, about three-quarters of a mile from the estab-
lished picket line, an outpost only having been kept up on this road.
Capt. Lewis, of Company F, was in command of the detachment,
with Capt. Wayne, of Company K, and Lieut. McGrath, of Com-
pany E The orders were to keep a sharp, lookout for the enemy,
who was directly in front of the position, their skirmish and picket
lines being within short musket range. Col. Spidel, of the 6th
Connecticut Volunteers, officer of the day, in giving his instruc-
tions, said, '* the detachment has been assigned to this post of trust
and danger because the 97th, on the 10th inst,, proved them-
selves worthy to be placed in positions upon which depended the
safety of the army of the South."
His commands were, if the enemy should attack in force, to hold
the position and keep him in check until the whole force could be
aroused and prepared for their reception, then to retire by the left
close to the Stono, under cover of the gunboats, so as to leave an
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122 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. [June,
open field for the forces in the rear to meet the enemy's advance.
Videttes were also to be placed on the right, to guard against sur-
prise.
At dark, a lieutenant and four men were to be sent forward
about one hundred and fifty yards to an angle of the Charleston
road, and to advance a picket force across toward the Stono River
on the other road. The wood on the right was a dense growth of
palmetto, pine and live oak in front, while to the left it was more
open. The enemy began to shell the position soon aft;er it had been
reached, at 4 P. M., but without serious effect. At dusk, Lieut.
Wainwright, with four men, was sent to the angle of the road,
but, before he could get his men posted, they were fired upon and
forced to retire, Lieut. Wainwright being wounded in the thigh.
By the enemy's firing, it was discovered they had pickets posted
in a position to command the rear of Capt. Lewis' command. He
then posted men in a line extending back to the main picket force,
with orders to watch the flashing of the enemy's guns to ascertain
the locality of their posts, and to return their fire as effectually as
possible. The main body of the command was then ordered to lie
down upon their arms in line across the road.
The artillery and musketry firing of the enemy continued until
near 10 P. M., when it suddenly ceased. The quiet became omi-
nous of an attack and preparations were immediately made to re-
ceive it. Lieut. McGrath was sent to the right, and Ca)pt. Wayne
to the left, to make observation of the situation. Capt. Lewis re-
mained to hold his command in readiness to meet the enemy. While
these arrangements were being completed, firing commenced in
front of Company E. Some men of that company came in wounded,
accompanied by Lieut. McGrath, who reported the enemy in force
advancing through the palmettoes at the northwest angle of the
road. While making his report, the enemy was upon them with a
yell. The boys stood up to their work nobly and well, delivering
a steady and incessant fire upon the advancing foe. The contest
lasted about eighteen minutes, when the enemy, finding their pro-
gress so stubbornly resisted, retired, but continued to shell the
position, making it inadvisable to remain upon the road. The force
was then moved back a few yards out of range and stood at arms
until morning. Upon examining the ground over which the enemy
had advanced, there was found every appearance of their having
suffered severely, from the number of blood traces upon the ground
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1^1 OPERATIONS ON JAMES ISLAND. 123
and palmetto leaves. It had evidently been their purpose to sur-
prise and capture the entire force, but in which they were most
signally disappointed.
The wounded, beside Lieut. Wainwright, were Sergt. R. Powell
Kthian, Company K, left hand; Privates Charles Haslem, Com-
pany E, in right leg, (since dead); Joseph Little, Company E, right
arm, and John C. Nicholson, Company E, left side. The detach-
ment was relieved, on the 13th, by Companies A, C, D and I of the
97th P. V. For many nights, the men in camp were required to lie
upon their arms, in line of battle, at the edge of the camp, to be
ready for instant service.
The rebel batteries continued to shell the lines, day and night.
The picket lines, being about six hundred yards apart, also kept up
a constant firing at the front.
On June 14, the enemy opened their batteries quite vigorously
upon Gren. Stevens' position. His batteries returned the fire and,
being joined by the gunboats, the rebel guns were soon silenced.
On June 15, Gen. Stevens' batteries shelled the rebels at Seces-
sionville all day.
After effecting the occupation of James Island, Gen. Hunter,
realizing that an immediate advance upon Charleston was now im-
practicable, had returned to Hilton Head, leaving Brig. Gen. Henry
W. Benham in command, with orders to strengthen and maintain
the position and await further orders before advancing. The enemy
at Secessionville, under command of Col. J. G. Lamar, brought the
guns of their batteries to bear effectually upon the Union camps,
threatening the security of the position. Gen. Benham resolved to
attempt an assault upon the enemy's works at that place. Accord-
ingly, on the morning of June 16, Gen. Stevens, with the brigades
of Cols. W. M. Fenton and D. Leasure, moved just before dawn to
make the assault; It had been intended to surprise the garrison,
bnt it became fuUy daylight before the works were reached. Gen.
Wright's force was ordered to support Gen. Stevens' attack. He
had marched his command from camp at 2 A. M. and was in the
position to which he was ordered, at daylight, ready to co-operate.
The 8th Michigan and the 79th New York Highlanders, leading
Gen. Stevens' attack, captured the enemy's pickets. They then ad-
vanced along the narrow strip of land, the only approach to the
works, being met by a heavy fire of musketry, grape and cannister.
A most desperate attempt was now made by Gen. Stevens' force to
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124 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. [June,
press forward and scale the earthworks. The leading regiments
succeeded in gaining a position beyond the causeway, at the ex-
treme right of the works, but encountering a wide ditch seven feet
deep and parapet seven feet high, protected by abattis and vdth an
impassable swamp in front and upon the left of the fort, it wa«
found that the works, defended by a full garrison, whose fire was
most effective, could not be carried by assault. Gen. Stevens' force
finally fell back, having lost in a short time about six hundred men.
When Gen. Stevens' attack commenced. Gen. Wright directed Col.
Robert Williams, of the 6th Massachusetts Cavalry, commanding
his leading brigade, to advance two of his regiments, the 3d New
Hampshire and the 97th Pennsylvania, to support the assault. They
dashed forward through a swamp and across the open fields in front
of the enemy's works to a deep ditch within two hundred yards of
the batteries. The position was gained, without casualty, under a
heavy fire. The men at work upon the guns could be seen and by
a well-directed fire were materially interrupted. The 97th was soon
ordered to a point on the left, close under the guns of the fort,
having to cross another deep swamp. The sharp-shooters kept the
enemy's guns from doing much harm. In crossing the swamp, Col.
Guss' horse getting fast he dismoui\ted, and in the effort to get his
horse through came near being thrown under him in his struggles,
but succeeded in getting safely over. The Regiment reached a
position a little sheltered by the inequality of the ground, where it
remained, to cover Capt. Hamilton's Battery, Company E, 3d U. S.
Art., which had opened fire upon a rebel battery just in advance of
our position. The men were ordered to lie down to avoid the shell
from both sides.
The gunboats on Stono River also opened fire upon the enemy,
but their shell falling short dropped close to our left, exploding in
the ground and covering the men with mud and dirt, but failed to
cause any wavering. After three or four shell had thus threatened
destruction to the men, the gunboats were signalled to stop firing.
The artillery duel overhead was kept up briskly for over half an
hour, when the enemy's guns ceased. Col. Guss then sent Capt.
Price, with a few men, forward to examine the situation. They pro-
ceeded cautiously into a timber slashing, on the left, a sufficient dis-
tance to ascertain that there could be no advance of the enemy
through it, returned and reported to Col. Guss. The Regiment was
advanced to a point nearer the rebel position and the men again
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^^^ ACTION AT SECESSION VILLE. 125
ordered to lie down to avoid unnecessary exposure. Many of the
men were so overcome by wearine^ from the arduous night march,
as to fall into sound sleep amid the crash of shot and shell, while
lying upon the ground awaiting orders to move.
At this time, it was evident that Gen. Stevens' forces were un-
able to obtain access to the works, and had suffered severe loss with-
out advantage, although the men engaged had displayed a courage
and determination which, under better auspices, would have secured
success. Orders were given to withdraw the forces, measures being
taken to bring off the killed and wounded.
The position held by the 97th, in addition to serving as cover to
the other forces engaged, by preventing a flank movement by the
enemy, enabled the men to bring off all the wounded and most of
the kUled within reach. When the order was given to retire, the
97th P. V. remained in position to cover the movement, being the
last regiment to leave the front. Col. Guss, with his usual cool
deliberation, marched his Regiment off the field by division front,
moving en echelon^ in perfect order and precision, as upon battalion
drill, eliciting the admiration of the entire command, which, having
halted in rear of a sheltered position, had opportunity of observing
the movement. Even the enemy must have respected the cool com-
mander who thus led his men in order from the hotly-contested field,
as not a gun was fired upon the Regiment after the movement com-
menced.
On passing to the rear of the assembled troops. Col. Guss received
the thanks of Gen. Benham for his brilliant movements upon the
field, and the Regiment and its officers were heartily cheered by the
entire force as it passed to the right of the column.
The morning after the action, CoL Robert Williams, who com-
manded the brigade, addressed the following letter to Gov. Curtin,
commendatory of Col. Guss and his Regiment for their part in that
action:
Head-Quarters, 1st Brigade, 1st Division, IOth A. C.
Grimball's Plantation, James Island, June 17, 1862.
To His Excellency Gov. Curtin, Harrisburg, Pa.
Governor: I take the liberty of addressing this letter to your ex-
cellency for the purpose of expressing to you my admiration of the
bravery and soldierly conduct of the officers and men of the 97th
Pennsylvania Regiment, in the battle of Secessionville, on James
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126 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. [June.
Island, S. C, June 16, 1862. The whole Regiment, although ex-
posed to heavy fire, behaved al well as any regiment could have
done. To Col. Guss my thanks are particularly due, not only for
the excellent manner in which he carried out my orders, but for the
example he set to the Regiment of the greatest courage and cool-
ness.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Robert Williams,
Colonel 1st Mass. Cav., Commanding Brigade.
On June 24, 1862, Col. Williams also issued the following order
of admiration and thanks to the troops of his brigade:
Head-Quarters, James Island, S. C,
Grimball's Plantation, June 24, 1862.
Special Order No. 5.
I. The colonel commanding defsires to express to the 3d New
Hampshire, the 3d Rhode Island and the 97th Pennsylvania Vo-
lunteers his sincere thanks for, as well as his greatest admiration
of, their bravery and good order during the battle of the 16th inst.
He feels assured that no troops could have behaved better, and that
when they again meet the enemy their brave comrades, who have
fallen in the glorious performance of their duties, will be duly
avenged.
II. The names of those oflScers and soldiers who have been spe-
cially mentioned for gallantry and good conduct, during the action,
shall be forwarded not only to the commanding general but to the
governor of the State to which they respectively belong. ♦ ♦ ♦
By order of Robert Williams, Act. Brig. Gen.
[Signed] Channing Clapp, A. A. A. G.
To Col. Guss, Commanding 97th Penna. Vols.
Col. Williams was subsequently promoted to brigadier general
of the United States Army, and after the war was, for several years,
assistant adjutant general, on duty at the War Department, Wash-
ington.
This movement upon the enemy's works, although failing of suc-
cess, was, in its development of the valor, discipline and courageous
determination of the troops and officers, under a heavy and disas-
trous fire, a most signal achievement.
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18W.] OPERATIONS ON JAMES ISLAND. 127
The 97th P. V. had only one man wounded, Private Thomas Mc-
intosh, Company I, in knee, and lost one man, Gabriel Spence, a
member of the band, captured by rebel scouts, two of whom were -
taken by the Regiment during the action. The troops reached
camp at 2 P. M., just twelve hours after leaving it.
A commission was received, June 19, 1862, for Qr. Mr. Sergt.
James T. Skiles as 2d lieutenant of Company B, and on the 22d
one for Sergt. Maj. George A. Lemaistre, as 2d lieutenant of Com-
pany H, to date from April 30, 1862. The officers named were
duly mustered in that rank. Lieut. Lemaistre rejoined his company
and was detailed as adjutant for detachment, by order of Lieut. Col.
A. P. Duer, commanding at Legareeville. Corp. Samuel W. Haw.
ley, of Company C, was promoted to sergeant major, to date from
June 6, and, on July 1, Private George L. Taggart, of Company A,
was promoted to quarter-master sergeant.
During the occupancy of James Island, the 97th Regiment per-
formed picket duty on June 9, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 27, 29,
30 and July 1 ; also engaged in the actions of June 10 and 16, and
furnished fatigue details of the whole or larger part of the Regi-
ment on June 12, 19, 22 and 25. During most of the nights,
when not at the front, the men were required to sleep upon their
arms in the intrenchments near the camp, to be ready for instant
service. Mosquitoes were a terrible annoyance, night and day, to
the men on picket, the air being filled with them ; the bite, from
which there seemed no escape, was poisonous and irritating. But,
throughout all these privations and most arduous duties, there was
no murmuring or shrinking from service by the men, who seemed
to vie with each other in faithfulness and endurance.
During these land operations, the naval force, before Charleston,
had entered upon the bombardment of Fort Sumter and the land
batteries on Morris and Sullivan Islands, but owing to the nature of
the obstructions in the channels of the harbor the fleet was unable
to come into close range, so as to concentrate a sufficient fire to
prove efifectivt in reducing those strongholds. After exhausting
every available means to remove these difficulties, and to get the
fleet into eflfective range, it was determined to withdraw the forces
and await the preparation of a larger fleet, with more iron clads and
monitors, strong enough to run in close under the guns of the
enemy's works. This determination now suspended the active land
operations.
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128 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. ^^^J^
It, therefore, became necessary to evacuate James Island, on ac-
count of the exposure of the land force to attack by a greatly su-
perior force of the enemy, sheltered by natural defences and in com-
mand of approaches by which they could throw their entire force
upon any available position, requiring of the force occupying the
island constant vigilance and most arduous eflfort to avoid surprise
and capture. Most of the stores having been reshipped, on June
29 and 30, Gen. Wright received orders, on July 1, to embark his
division on the transports during the ensuing night, leaving the
97th P. V. to cover the movement and support the pickets, which
were to be withdrawn early on the morning of July 2. Companies
C and E of the 97th, being a part of the picket force detailed on
the evening of the 1st, were on duty when the line was relieved by
a small force of cavalry at such points as afforded the enemy op-
portunity to follow the retiring force. At sunrise, the cavalry was
also withdrawn. When the pickets reached camp, the 97th was in
line for the march to Gen. Stevens' position. The Regiment pitched
tents near the camp of Gen. Stevens' troops, the division having to
await transportation until the return of the vessels which had taken
Gen. Wright's division to North Edisto. When the Regiment left
its camp, in the morning, the sick were sent in ambulanees to the
wharf, at Gen. Stevens' landing, to be sent on board transports.
Private Lewis C. Peirce, of Company C, having been quite ill and
very weak, fell dead, of heart disease, just as he was arising to go
upon the steamer. He was a most faithful and deserving young
man, amiable and beloved by all. He persisted in remaining upon
duty while he could shoulder his musket, though often urged to
remain in his quarters by his commanding officer. Corp. B. L.
Kent and Private Anthony Grimes, of Company C, were detailed to
take his body to Hilton Head, and, if possible, send it north ; but,
beiqg delayed on the way, it was found impossible. Only by the
greatest effort did they succeed in having it landed and interred in
the cemetery at Hilton Head.
July 4, 1862, was celebrated at James Island by ^national salute
from the guns of the steamer Pawnee and the land batteries. De-
tails were set to work to level the earthworks erected by the enemy
on Stono River, in which' the 97th P. V. participated; also fur-
nished portions of the picket while it remained with Gen. Stevens'
division. By July 7, the transports had returned and his entire
orce had embarked, the 97th Regiment again forming the rear
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1W8] EVACUATION OP JAMES AND EDISTO ISLANDS. 129
guard. Companies B and E, having been detailed upon picket,
remained at the front until after the other companies of the Regi-
ment had also embarked on the steamer Delaware, after which those
companies were withdrawn from picket and taken on board the
steamer Ben Deford, with the 6th Connecticut. These vessels then
proceeded to North Edisto Island to land the troops. Thus ter-
minated the advance against Charleston, of 1862.
The Regiment occupied its former camp ground. After making
the necessar}'^ shelter for the tents, to guard against the intense
heat, and putting the camp in order, the regular routine of com-
pany and battalion drill was resumed and continued with the usual
camp and picket duty.
Within a very short time, however, it became evident that Edisto
was to be evacuated as soon as the necessary transportation could
be had to transfer the troops to points of more importance. In the
meantime, Edisto became the scene of interesting camp experiences,
interspersed with the adventurous advance of foraging parties
beyond the lines, to procure substantials and the delicacies of the
season, which the luxurious climate and soil produced in abundance.
Berries, tomatoes, okra, and indeed almost every variety of vege-
tables, afforded many a delicious meal to the hungry soldiers aft;er
their toilsome. campaign on James Island, with nothing but salt
junk, hard tack and coffee.
9
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130 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. CJ^^y»
CHAPTER V.
Hilton Head; Picket Duty on Broad River; Yellow Fever;
General Mitchel in command of Department; Pocotaligo;
Death of General Mitchel; Mortality among the Troops;
St. Helena and Braddock's Point; July, 1862, to April, 1863.
N July 16, Gen. Wright's force was ordered to Hil-
ton Head. The 97th struck tents on the morning
of that day. No teams having been landed since
the return, the tents had now to be carried to the
wharf, as they had previously been carried to the
camp, by the men. The expected transports not
arriving the night was passed by the troops under
their blankets. The transports not making their ap-
pearance on the l7th, the waiting became most
tedious and exposing. The weather remaining fine, but little com-
plaint was heard.
At 2.30 A. M., on the 18th, the Regiment was called up to em-
bark on the steamer Delaware. Started at 4.30 A. M. for Port
Royal Harbor, arrived at 9.30 A. M., landed on Hilton Head and
marched to a point just outside the stockade porte on the right of
the road leading toward Drayton's Plantation,
where the Regiment stacked arms and the men
were set to work preparing the ground for camp
it being an old cotton field, with ridges across
and the dead cotton stocks still standing. The
tents not arriving, the men had to make them-
selves content with their blankets another night.
Some of the officers and men obtained a pass to
^ ^ r "^ H0U8S AT MITOHKLVI1.1.K.
visit the interior picket line, near a contraband
settlement, afterward named Mitchelville, the houses being built,
by the negroes, of rough boards and slabs, obtained at a sawmill
which was worked by men detailed to provide lumber for general
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^*»3 OFFICERS ON POST DUTY AT HILTON HEAD. 131
purposes, the slabs being given to the negroes who stood waiting
for them as they fell from the saw.
The tents arrived on the 19th, when the camp was arranged in
order.
The Regiment was occupied in company and battalion driU, fur-
nishing the usual detail for picket and work upon the intrenchments,
during the remainder of the month. Many of the men were af-
fected with chills and chronic diarrhoea, and some cases of dysentery
occurred, keeping the hospital attendants busy in giving the requi-
site attention to the sick. The weather was extremely hot, the
mercury ranging from one hundred to one hundred and five degrees
in the shade.
During July, eight men were discharged and four died, one of
them, Charles Haslem, Company E, of wounds received June 12.
Soon after the return of Gen. Wright's division to Hilton Head,
that officer was ordered to a new military department in the west.
Gen. Stevens, with his division, also went north to Virginia. He
was subsequently killed, at the head of his division, in action,
at Chantilly, Va., on September 1, 1862.
The command of the post, at Hilton Head, August 1, 1862, de-
volved upon Col. Robert Williams, of the 1st Mass. Cav., who went
north soon after, leaving the command of the post, to Col. H. R.
Guss, of the 97th P. V., he being the senior officer present. This
position he held until September 22, when he was relieved by the
return of Col. Nathaniel W. Brown, of the Sii Rhode Island Artil-
lery, who had been absent north on leave. Col. Guss having ap-
pointed Adj. H. W. Carruthers, 97th P. V., post adjutant, 1st
Lieut. J. J. Barber, of Company K, was detailed as acting adjutant
for the Regiment, of which Lieut. Col. A. P. Duer was then in
command.
About August 13, a general court-martial was convened, at
Hilton Head, of which Col. Guss was president and Capt. F. M.
Guss, of the 97th, a member. It remained in session for a short
time.
The 16th of August was observed as a day of rest at the post,
in observance of. the order of President Lincoln.
On August 17, Lieut. David Jones, quarter-master 97th P. V.,
was detailed as post quarter-master, at Hilton Head, which position
he held until October 1, 1863.
At the same time, 1st Lieut. J, M. C. Savage, Company B, was
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132 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. lAogast,
appointed acting quarter-master 97th P. V. and performed the duties
until September 16, 1862, when he returned to the command of his
company, Capt. McCoy having been appointed post inspector. 1st
Lieut. John McGrath, of Company E, was then detailed as acting
quarter-master of the Regiment.
Ass't Surgeon Miller, of the 97th P. V., was at this time assigned
to the care of a ward, in the general hospital, at Hilton Head,
which he retained for about a year. The charge of the sick of
the Regiment was faithfully attended to by Surgeon Everhart, with-
out other assistance than his usual corps of attendants. He was at
all times most assiduous in the discharge of his arduous and respon-
sible duties, proving himself a most valuable and successful surgeon.
Private John P. Winterbottom, of Company F, was discharged,
for disability, on the 18th.
On August 20, Chaplain William Whitehead resigned, on ac-
count of ill health from climatic causes. He had been a faithful
and worthy officer, attentive to the duties of his calling and earnest
in his efforts to promote the spiritual welfare of his charge. He re-
turned to his home, September 2, 1862. The Regiment remained
without a chaplain until the summer of 1864.
On August 29, Gen. Hunter reviewed the entire force, upon Hil-
ton Head, commanded by Col. H. R. Guss, the 97th P. V. being
on the right of the line, commanded by Lieut. Col. A. P. Duer.
On August 30, the
97th P. V. was ordered
to relieve the 7th Conn.,
on outpost picket, along
Broad River, from Sea-
brook Point to the mouth
of Back Creek, about
eight miles of line. The
Regiment marched early
in the morning to Drav-
DBATTON'S MAN8IOI7. .^
ton s Plantation.
From this point, the companies were distributed as follows : Com-
panies A, F and I stationed at Seabrook Point, under command of
Maj. G. Pennypacker; Companies B, G and K at Stoney's Plan-
tation, where Lieut. Col. Duer established his head-quarters; Com-
panies H and E remained at Drayton's Plantation, under command
of Capt. McConnell, and Companies C and D at Spanish Wells,
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^*^^^ OUTPOST DUTY ON BROAD RIVER 133
near the signal station, under command of Capt. Price, of Company
C, whose line extended to the extreme left, at the mouth of Back
Creek. The picket duty of this line, designed to prevent the enemy
crossing or passing along Broad River, was performed by sentinels,
at points in sight of each other, each having its relief in charge of a
non-commissioned officer, with a commissioned officer in charge of
each section. The principal and important watch was at night,
when intermediate sentinels were posted.
On August 31, in conformity with an act of Congress, the band
of the 97th P. V. was mustered out of service, by Capt. Jackson,
inspector general and mustering officer U. S. A. The men left for
their homes, on September 9, .having tendered to Col. Guss a part-
ing serenade. WiUie St. John, a member of the band, enlisted as
musician, in Company A, and remained with the Regiment.
During the month of August, 1862, at Hilton Head, the fol-
lowing deaths occurred in the Regiment: Corp. Israel Oat, Com-
pany G, August 10, of congestion of the brain; Privates Peter
Davis, Company E, on the 12th, of typhoid fever; Charles Riley,
Company E, on the 13th, of acute diarrhoea; Ezekiel Walker,
Company C, on the 21st, of typhoid dysentery. These men were
buried in the cemetery outside the intrenchments.
The Regiment remained on duty, on Broad River, until Septem-
ber 6, at 11 A. M., when it was relieved by the 76th P. V. The de-
tachments returned separately to camp, which was reached at 3 P. M.
The usual routine of camp and garrison duties was resumed,
details regularly furnished for the work upon the intrenchments,
etc., and dress parade every day.
Dr. William C. Morrison, of Cochranville, Chester Co., having
been assigned to the 97th P. V., in accordance with an act of Con-
gress authorizing an additional assistant surgeon, joined the Regi-
ment, September 6, and immediately entered upon the discharge of
his duties, greatly to the relief of Dr. Everhart, who had been over-
taxed with the sole charge of the sick during the previous month.
On the evening of September 6, at dress parade, a splendid sword
and sash were presented to Col. H. R. Guss by the line officers of
the Regiment. Capt. G. W. Hawkins, of Company I, on behalf of
the officers, tendered the sword, in a very neat and appropriate
speech, to which Col. Guss replied, thanking the officers for this
kind and unexpected manifestation of appreciation of his efforts to
discbarge his duties faithfully.
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134 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. [September,
On September 9, Brig. Gen. John M. Brannan, U. S. V. (now
major 1st Art., U. S. A.), arrived at Hilton Head. He was received
by the usual salute from the guns on the forts. Maj. Gen. Hunter
having been relieved of the command of the Department of the
South, Gen. Brannan entered temporarily upon the duties of depart-
ment commander.
, This change of department commanders was regarded to be in
consequence of the emancipation proclamation of Gen. Hunter,
and his measures taken to enlist the negroes into the service of the
United States, in advance of authorized orders, a measure that ulti-
mately received the sanction of the government and secured his own
restoration to the command of the department.
2d Lieut. James Williams^ of Company I, having resigned, on
September 8, returned home on the 10th.
On September 10, 1862, Capts. F. M Guss, of Company A, and
William Wayne, of Company K, with one man from each company,
were detailed upon recruiting service. They sailed for New York,
on the steamer Ericsson, on the same day.
On September 11, Lieut. Col. Duer was detailed upon a general
court-martial, convened at Beaufort, S. C. The Regiment was com-
manded by Maj. Pennypacker until September 22. Company and
battalion drill were continued with regularity, but the heat be-
coming oppressive, some of the men fainted in the ranks. Mid-
day drill was now omitted. In the camp, arbors of green boughs
were built over the rows of tents to shelter the men from the sun.
On the 18th of Sep-
tember, Maj. Gren. O.
M. Mitchel arrived, at
Port Royal, on board
the steamer Arago. He
was received with the
usual salute. Having
been assigned to the
command of the De-
partment of the South,
HEAD-QUARTBR8 OF HUNTER AND MITCHEL. ^^ relieVeCl CjCn. J. M.
Brannan and established
his head-quarters in the building on the wharf lately occupied by
Gen. Hunter.
On the day after his arrival, Gen. Mitchel visited the camps of
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^M».l mitchkl's preparations for an advance. 135
the regiments under his command and personally inspected the
condition of all, having the men in line for the purpose.
At noon, on the I9th, he visited the 97th P. V. The Regiment
was ordered in line to receive him. Col. Guss then gave the com-
mand "Close column, by division, on the centre division, right in
front." The movement being executed. Gen. Mitchel rode up close
in front of the men, accompanied by the members of his staff and
Col. Guss. He then addressed the officers and men in a few very
eloquent and stirring remarks, indicating his interest in the great
cause in which they were engaged, and expressed the faith he had
in the men before him, into whose eyes he seemed to look, saying
he could recognize in their faces the determination to have that
came triumph. He was enthusiastically cheered by the men, who
were fully impressed that he would prove an efficient leader, but,
alas ! his death occurring, within a very short time after, left those
hopes unftilfilled.
On September 20, the Regiment was again detailed for outpost
picket, on Broad River, relieving the 76th P. V., the companies
being stationed as previously, except that Company H was added
to the command of Capt. Price, at Spanish Wells. The camp of
the detachment, at this place, was situated in a beautiful pine grove,
a quarter of a mile in rear of the signal station on Broad River.
The trees were apparently of many years' growth, yet the ridges of
former cultivation were plainly perceptible. An old negro, who
had been a slave upon the plantation from childhood, said he could
remember when the grove was one of the finest cotton fields he had
ever known; it had never failed to produce a heavy crop; and, the
last time it had been planted, there was every prospect of a larger
yield than ever before, until, just as the bolls were about to burst,
an nnusual rain and heavy flood occurred, which for several days in-
undated the field, causing the bolls to rot and thus ruined the en-
tire crop. The master, in a great rage, then swore the field should
never be planted with cotton again. Being left uncultivated, it had
quickly grown up with pine trees, now over forty years old. The
cotton ridges, however, remained as evidences of its former cultiva-
tion.
The ground was well adapted for a camp and the shade made it
a most pleasant spot. The tents were mostly constructed of a frame
work of poles, the sides interlined with pine boughs and a canvas
tent-fly covering, the company streets and unoccupied ground being
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136 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. [September,
kept cleanly swept by the men. The camp, presented a most pic-
turesque appearance, especially by moonlight. It was one of the
most attractive spots in all the experiences of camp life in the
South.
The adjacent creeks, leading into Broad River, afforded most ex-
cellent fishing ground, in which the men were allowed to indulge,
when off duty, obtaining an ample supply of trout, bass, sheeps-
head, drum and other delicious fish. Another feature of interest
was found in a beautiful little visitant of the feathered tribe, quite
small in size, of yellowish drab, slightly varied with brown upon the
wings and head, very tame and fearless. These birds would come in
the tents and perch about, quite at home, sometimes taking a fancy
to the toes and knees of the men as they reclined upon the beds ;
they would watch for the flies and dart off, catch their prey with an
audible snap and then return to their perch to watch for another.
There seemed to be a perfect understanding, on all sides, that
these little comrades were not to be frightened or molested, nor was
there a single instance of injury to one of them known. It would
have been resented upon the offender most summarily by universal
championship of "our pets" at Spanish Wells.
There were also many beautiful groves of live oak, majestic in
appearance, under whose branches it was pleasant to repose, shel-
tered from the intense heat. The most grand of these were found
about Beaufort and Port Royal, S. C.
On September 25, three recruits arrived for Company A, one for
Company C and one for Company H. One of them, Jonathan
Philips, had been discharged from Company A, for disability, the
preceding May. Having recovered, he now returned to his old com-
pany.
During September, many of the men were taken ill with an inter-
mittent fever. Dr. Everhart frequently reported having prescribed
for over one hundred and twenty cases in one day. The fever as-
suming a malignant type, toward the end of the month, all drill
and unnecessary labor was discontinued.
Ten enlisted men of the Regiment were discharged, on surgeon's
certificate of disabiUty, during the month of September, one of
whom was Hospital Steward Harmon Heed. Two of them, Lewis
Miller and William C. Lewis, Company K, were wounded on James
Island. Miller died at home, soon after, of chronic diarrhoea. On
the lOth, Private Benjamin Davis, of Company D, died, of typhoid
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^^•^•J THE CAMP AT SPANISH WELLS. 137
fever, and Private George Green, of Company G, died, on the 20th,
of chronic diarrhoea. Dr. Reuben H. Smith, 1st sergeant of Com-
pany G, was now promoted to be hospital steward.
About this time. Brig. Gen. A. H. Terry, late colonel of the 7th
Conn., was assigned to the command of a brigade, consisting of the
7th Conn., 76th and 97th P. V., and the 3d N. H. Gen. Terry
visited the line of outposts held by the 97th P. V., on Broad River,
and expressed his great satisfaction at finding every portion of the
line in order, notwithstanding its remoteness and the monotony of
duty presented a temptation to neglect some of the prescribed
UVB OAK GKOYB AT PORT ROTAL.
observances, not one of which he, coming upon them unannounced,
could notice.
Cavalry pickets of the enemy were frequently seen, at Chimney
Point, on the opposite side of the river. The Regiment remained
on duty, on Broad River, without any unusual incident, until October
10, when nine companies were relieved by mounted pickets, a de-
tail from the 1st Mass. Cav.; Company I, of the 97th, being left
stationed at Seabrook Point.
On October 13, three more recruits arrived for Company A,
making it the largest in the Regiment, numbering, at that time,
ninety-five eflfective men.
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138 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. [October.
On October 15, the Regiment was paid by Maj. Julian O. Mason,
paymaster U. S. V., to include August 31, 1862.
About October 20, 1862, two cases of yellow fever occurred
among the laborers employed in the quarter-master's department,
supposed to have been contracted in unloading a vessel from an
infected port.
On October 21, Privates Thomas P. McHale, of Company E,and
John Dixon, of Company G, died in camp, of yellow fever, after an
illness of only a few hours. Several others were found to have
contracted that disease, and many were ill with intermittent fever,
five hundred being on the sick list at that time. The men seemed
to manifest no alarm at the presence of yellow fever in the Regi-
ment. In order to isolate the cases, to prevent its spreading, re-
quired a guard to keep them from going to see those sick with it.
The burial party would often ride back to camp on the wagon that
had carried the corpse to the cemetery.
It was at this time that Gen. Mitchel, having completed his ar-
rangements for commencing an active campaign in the Department
of the South, had organized an expedition to intercept communica-
tion between Charleston, S. C, and Savannah, Ga., to the com-
mand of which Gen. Brannan was assigned. The brigade of Brig.
Gen. A. H. Terry was one of those selected for the advance. The
troops were to be ready to march on the aft;emoon of October 20.
Capt. Price, of Company C, having been detailed, by order of
Gen. O. M. Mitchel, as president of a military commission, in
Special Order No. 325, Head-Quarters Department of the South,
dated October 11, 1862, was engaged upon the duties thereof,
when the order to march was received. He obtained permission
of Gen. Mitchel to adjourn the commission in order to accompany
his Regiment. Capt. Mcllvaine, of Company H, was, at the same
time, detailed upon court-martial as judge advocate, and made a
similar application, to Gen. A. H. Terry, to be relieved from that
duty in order to take command of his company. His request was
also granted.
At the hour appointed for the forces to march, the 97th was in
line and ready to move, when an order was received, countermand-
ing the marching orders of the 97th, on account of the prevalence
of the yellow fever in the Regiment. The order was reluctantly
obeyed. The brigades of Gen. Brannan's command proceeded upon
transports to the main land during the night following. After
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^^] ACTION AT POCOTALIGO. YELLOW FEVER. 139
landing at a favorable position, marched to the Pocotaligo River,
where they found the rebels intrenched at a bridge which inter-
cepted the way to the railroad. A severe engagement ensued, in
which the men suffered greatly from the rebel artillery on the
other side of the river. The troops were preparing for a charge
upon the bridge when the rebels set fire to it, destroying it, thus
preventing the possibility of the force crossing to drive them from
their position. The 76th P. V. lost seventy-six, officers and men ;
the 47th P. V , 1st brigade, one hundred tind ten, and the 7th Conn,
had twenty-nine killed and wounded.
On October 24, Private James Wright, of Company D, died, of
yellow fever, in the general hospital, at Hilton Head, and was
buried, on the same day, in the cemetery outside the intrenchments.
Hugh O'Donnell, Jr., a drummer of Company E, also died, on the
same day, after a few hours' illness, of yellow fever of the most
virulent type, and, two days after, his father. Private Hugh O'Don-
nell, Sr., of Company E, died of the same fever. Also, on the 25th,
in general hospital, Private Peter McDonald, of Company E, died
of the same disease, and on the 31st, Wagoner James McNulty, of
Company B, died in camp, a very virulent case of the fever. He
was buried early in the morning, soon after death, and his tent,
clothing, etc., were burned.
Every possible sanitary precaution had early been taken to pre-
vent the disease spreading. The tents of the Regiment were all
raised on elevated floors, to allow free circulation of air under and
between the tents, and thorough police regulations observed, the
tents being all taken down every morning and turned inside out,
allowing the sunlight to fall upon the floors, clothing, etc., the tents
remaining down during the day. Through these precautions,
though the disease, in many cases, manifested its full malignancy,
it did not appear to become very contagious, there being but few
cases of nurses taking it, and many others had gone in and out, to
see patients affected with it, with impunity, no doubt attributable to
being so much in the open air. Had this fever broken out among
80 many people crowded together in close houses, in filthy locali-
ties, the number of cases and the mortality would have been fear-
Iblly different.
Maj. Gen. Mitchel, being stricken with the fever, was removed to
Beaufort, where, it was hoped, he might have greater chances of
recovery and better treatment in more comfortable quarters. He,
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140 HISTORY OP THE NINETr-SEVENTH REGIMENT. [October,
however, fell a victim to the disease, on October 30, after receiving
every available medical care, and the kindest nursing at the hands
of Mrs. Frances D. Gage, at that time at Beaufort, engaged in the
care and education of the freedmen.
The flags in the harbor and upon the forts and public departments
were all displayed at half-mast, and every demonstration of respect
and mourning observed, in honor of the distinguished and lamented
commandant of the department. Upon the death of Gen. Mitchel,
Gen. Brannan resumed th% command.
On October 24, Capts. William McConnell, of Company E, and
George W. Hawkins, of Company I, with one man from each com-
pany, were detailed upon recruiting service and started north to
relieve Capts. Guss and Wayne, previously detailed upon that
service. While absent, Capt. Hawkins applied for appointment to
the command of a regiment of colored troops, and was ordered
before the examining board, at Washington, appointed to select
officers for the colored troops. The command of Company I now
devolved upon 1st Lieut. Sketchley Morton, Jr., of that company.
Lieut. Morton was soon after taken ill, at Seabrook Point, where
his company was still stationed. He was brought to his tent in the
camp of the Regiment for medical attendance. He was subse-
quently sent to the general hospital, at Hilton Head, the disease
having proved to be yellow fever, of a mild type, from which he
became convalescent, but a relapse occurred, resulting in a fatal
termination on the morning of November 12, 1862. He was buried
in the cemetery outside the intrenchm^nts, at the edge of a pine
grove, just at sunset, the evening after his death. The funeral was
attended by most of the officers, a company of the Regiment forming
the escort. This being the first death of an officer of the Regi-
ment, it was a sad duty to perform, consigning to the grave, so far
away from his home and loved ones, one so young, whose life had
been so genial, so bright, with life's anticipations yet unfulfilled.
There being no chaplain present, it was supposed there would be no
other services than the usual firing over the grave after the body
had been lowered. The golden rays of the setting sun were rest-
ing upon the shadows of the dark pines and falling through the
branches upon the uncovered heads of his comrades, who stood
around silently pausing awhile before the signal should be given to
the firing party, when, without previous intimation, the adjutant
of the Regiment, Ist Lieut. H. W. Carruthers, advanced a few
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•^^^^^^f^^^:^^^i:x^^c^^:^
LIEUTENANT. CO I 97- P \'
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»
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* ■•'P;-' kiii'l and f'ourUniri n all liN ii.tt""' «iir.'f' ■ *.'\ tltt ir\
.! ' Urir-'ii! m: a faithful ai..l c^:' -m^^ o;'M'.r. ^»i( h a-t^ tii" >v
. ^..st I. MJ Pmu y bonif-^ nf (,- r <\, t { { r acri'u rmd Ik-!] \ land
.'•• ' ^ 'I.t.-d h\ \\u^ ravaiT' '^ »-f : v\-»('K.^'! rt") 'li^. /*
: ..' s .SJ(»uumI sk* \rh of Kif"it "M-i^ 'a I-* l;y J. lliil Mditia, Esq.,
author of History of Chester, Delaware County, Pa.:
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'':.• • ,• - .._•.. /.
<^
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^^•3-1 DEATH AND BURIAL OF LIEUTENANT MORTON. 141
steps, to the edge of the grave, and, in a clear but subdued voice,
read the beautiful Episcopal burial service for the dead in a most
touching and impressive manner. All felt it most' opportune and
were gratefiil for the inspiration that prompted it. No ordained
minister, perhaps, could more fitly have performed his office.
The following notice of the death of Lieut. Morton is taken from
the Delaware County Republican, November 1862:
"Death of Lieut. Sketchley Morton, Jr. — Intelligence has
reached us, from Hilton Head, S. C, of the death of this noble
young man and brave officer. He fell a victim to yellow fever, on
the 12th inst., after an illness of two weeks, in the United States
General Hospital, at that place, deeply and universally regretted by
the officers and men of the 97th Regiment P. V., to which he was
attached. Lieut. Morton was only twenty-one years of age. His
life was a model one and his character without a stain. He chose
a soldier's life from a sense of duty and, after serving through the
three months' campaign, joined the 97th on its formation, con-
tinuing to perform active service until stricken down by the fatal
disease which carried him to the grave. It is consoling to his rela-
tives and friends to know that he had every attention shown him
that was possible under the circumstances, and that his dying
pillow was smoothed by the kind offices of his companions in arms,
by one of whom we are assured that he lacked nothing which the
abundant conveniences and excellent arrangement for the care of
the sick could supply."
A brother officer, who was present at his death, writes: "It is a
consolation to know that he gave himself to his country in the hour
of peril, and that in her service he was ever true to duty both in
the camp and in the field. Before the enemy he quailed not; and
now that he is called away to a higher life, he has left l»is name in-
scribed with those brave ones who have fallen in the effort to main-
tain, in its integrity, the best government God ever permitted man
to make. His fellow soldiers lose a friend and associate who was
ever genial, kind and courteous in all his intercourse with them,
and the Regiment a faithful and efficient officer. Such are the sa-
crifices that have caused countless numbers to mourn their loved
and lost in so many homes of our once peaceful and happy land
now desolated by the ravages of a wicked rebellion."
The subjoined sketch of Lieut. Morton is by J. Hill Martin, Esq.,
author of History of Chester, Delaware County, Pa.:
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142 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. [November,
" Sketchley Morton, Jr., the third son of Judge Sketchley Mor-
ton and Elizabeth Newlin, his wife, was born at his father's resi-
dence, in Springfield, Delaware County, Pa., on March 22, 1842.
On the breaking out of the rebellion, he enlisted in the company
raised in Delaware County, by Capt. Greorge W. Hawkins, and was
mustered into service, at West Chester, on October 7, 1861, as
1st lieutenant of Company I, 97th Regiment of Pennsylvania
Volunteers, Col. H. R. Guss commanding, and accompanied his
regiment to Port Royal, and died, in the military hospital, at Hilton
Head, November 12, 1862, of the yellow fever, aged twenty years
and eight months. He was a great-great-grandson of John Mor-
ton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence and a great-grand-
son of Sketchley Morton, a major in the Revolutionary army. He
was a young gentleman of first abilities and of pleasing personal
appearance, very popular with his comrades in arms and beloved
by his relations and friends for his many fine qualities and amiable
disposition."
When Lieut. Morton was taken ill, Lieut. George W. Williams,
of Company D, was placed, temporarily, in command of Company
I, which he continued to retain until the return of Capt. Hawkins,
from recruiting service, being nearly six months.
During October, eight men were discharged for disability.
On November 1, Privates Abner McCartney, of Company F, and
Josiah Grove Huggins, of Company E, died of yellow fever They
were buried, from the general hospital, at the cemetery, and on the
2d, Corp. James McConnell, Company H, also died of the fever.
On November 3, the Regiment moved inside the intrenchments,
near the spot where it first encamped in 1861. The health of the
men seemed to improve after the removal.
Sergt. Elisha Middleton, of Company B, died, of yellow fever, on
November 4, and was buried the same day. He had just been re-
commended for discharge for disability.
On November 14, 16 and 17, in conformity with General Orders
No. 134, dated War Department, October 9, 1862, the following
men of the 97th P. V. were discharged for the purpose of re-enlist-
ing in Company E, 3d U. S. Artillery, commanded hy Capt. John
Hamilton, viz.: Privates James M. Haines, Company A; Joseph
Bence, William Clark and Elliott Hopkins, Company C; William
Smith, Company D; Alfred L. Dutton, Company H; and Corp.
James W. Phillips, Privates John McCann, Daniel Urmy, Amos
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^^1 PREVALENCE OF YELLOW FEVER AT HILTON HEAD. 143
Y. Harry and William Wilson, of Company K. On January 18,
1863, Corp. Davis O. Taylor, Company C, also re-enlisted in the
same battery, under the same order. These men all served out the
remainder of their term (three years) except one (Harry), who was
killed in action, at Olustee, Fla., in February, 1864. Four re-
enUsted as veterans, and one (Urmy) remained with the battery.
On November 18, two recruits arrived for Company A, sent by
Capt. Guss. On same day, Company I, 97th P. V. was relieved
from duty at Seabrook Point and returned to camp.
Private George Conway, of Company E, died, of yellow fever, on
November 18. There continued to be many cases and frequent
deaths from yellow fever, at the general hospital, until the end of
November, when the disease abated.
The Regiment, until November 20, continued to perform the usual
camp and picket duty; also furnished details for work upon the in-
trenchments. Company and squad drills, at intervals, as the health
• of the men admitted.
On November 20, for sanitary considerations, all the companies
of the Regiment excepting one were removed to St. Helena Island,
taking tents and hght baggage, leaving tent floors, the stables
and hospital tents; Company C, with Capt. Price in command,
being left in charge of the camp property on Hilton Head. The
Regiment, at St. Helena, was relieved of all active duty in order
to allow the men opportunity to recuperate.
Private William M. Best, of Company B, died, of diptheria, at
general hospital, on the 19th, and Private David N. Ruth, of Com-
pany C, on the 22d, of yellow fever. On the 26th, Private William
H. Wilson, of Company B, died of remittent fever, in camp, at St.
Helena.
On the 22d, 2d Lieuts. Borrell, of Company G, and Baldwin, of
Company H, having resigned, returned home. Lieuts. Armstrong,
of Company B, and Barber, of Company K, received furloughs of
thirty days, and soon after resigned.
November 27 was observed in the department as Thanksgiving
Day, in conformity with the order of President Lincoln. The offi-
cers of the 97th Regiment, together with most of those at the post,
were invited to spend the day at Fort Pulaski, as the guests of the
48th New York, Col. W. B. Barton commanding, which garrisoned
the fort. The trip by Broad River was delightful and the entertain-
ment unsurpassed. A dress parade of the Regiment, with evolutions
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144 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. [December.
of the battalion, forming column closed in mass, forming square,
etc., all performed with admirable precision, concluded the proceed-
ings of the day. In the evening, music and dancing in the officers'
quarters in the casemates, there being quite a number of ladies pre-
sent to grace the occasion. At the Pelican, outside the fort, a court
of inquiry was engaged, late in the evening, earnestly endeavoring
to ascertain the responsibility for certain casks, in the possession of
the host, said to contain a perfectly harmless fluid, in bottles not
labeled, and which could only be correctly decided by unharnessing
the corks, a service which seemed to find numerous and ardent
FOBT PULASKI.
volunteers. The action was sharp, not short, nor altogether deci-
sive. No lives were lost, however, and even the veteran explorer,
Capt. Waterbury, of the 55th, survived to do gallant service on
many another day.
During November, there were twelve men discharged for disa-
bility.
On December 6, Private William H. Brown, of Company D,
died, in general hospital, of chronic diarrhoea, and, on the 29th,
Private Thomas M. Lancaster, of same company, died, of diptheria,
at St. Helena.
On December 13, Lieuts. Isaac Smedley, of Company C, and
Joseph T. Burnett, of Company F, received furloughs for thirty days
and returned home. Capts. I. Price, of Company C, and Charles
Mcllvaine, of Company H, were detailed, by order of Gen. A. H.
Terry, upon a general court-martial, convened at Hilton Head,
pursuant to Special Order No. 70, dated Hilton Head, S. C, De-
cember 16, 1862. This court, of which Col. Edwin Metcalf, 3d
R. I. Vols., was president, continued its sessions through December,
1862, January and par: of February, 1863, adjourning at intervals,
but not finally, until relieved by order of Gen. A. H. Terry, upon
the completion of the labors of the court.
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*^ 1 THE REGIMENT AT ST. HELENA ISLAND. 145
Christmas Day was observed, at St. Helena, as a grand holiday.
Games and pastimes were improvised for the amusement of the men
and several prizes offered for feats of agility, sack races, etc., the
fands for which being raised by contributions from the officers of
the Regiment. There was also singing by a glee club of the men,
which was excellent, and a jig dance, by Corp. Litzenburg, of Com-
pany G, which was admirable. Sergt. J. A. Russell, of Company
H, elicited roars of laughter by his negro eccentricities. This
amusing and interesting entertainment concluded with the perform-
ance of Richard III, followed by a burlesque, in which the cha^
racters were admirably sustained by the entire company of amateur
performers.
In the evening, Capt. F. M. Guss arrived with his recruiting
party and three recruits, two of whom were assigned to Company
K and one to Company G, making nine recruits sent to the Regi-
ment by the party.
On December 29, Capt. I. Price, of Company C, being ill with
fever, was taken to the general hospital, at Hilton Head, where he
remained until convalescent, January 8, 1863. The command of
his company, during the interval, devolved upon 1st Lieut. Eachus.
At this time, the average number of sick in the hospital and on
light duty was eight men to a company. During December, eight
men were discharged for disability.
The Regiment remained at St. Helena until January 15, when
Companies B, E, G and K returned to camp at Hilton Head.
Companies A, D, I and H started to return on the 19th, but, owing
to windy and stormy weather setting in after embarking, put into
Seabrook Point, and encamped until the 21st, when they returned to
Hilton Head. Company F remained at St. Helena, until February
11, to assist the engineers in the construction of a wharf and some
improvements at the fort on Bay Point.
On January 18, Maj. Gen. Hunter returned to Hilton Head and
resumed the command of the Department of South. Appropriate
salutes were fired by the forts upon his arrival.
On January 21, Private Patrick Keefe, of Company E, died, of
congestive fever, at Hilton Head.
On the 22d, a detail of twenty-six men, of Company C, under
command of Ist Lieut. Eachus, was sent to work upon the new
earthwork, Fort Mitchel, being erected near Seabrook Point, taking
tents, etc., to encamp, remaining upon that duty about two weeks.
10
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146 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. [February,
On the 28th, the 97th was inspected and reviewed by Lieut CoL
Oliver D. Green, A. A. G., U. S. A , Capt. Richard H. Jackson, 1st
U. S. Artillery, inspector general of department, and 1st Lieut. John
R. Myrick, 3d U. S. Artillery They also drilled the Regiment in
various battalion movements and required each of the line officers,
in turn, to take command of the Regiment and give the requisite
command to execute the movement indicated, to change the bat-
talion from one given position to another. These exercises were of
great interest and service.
After the return of the Regiment to Hilton Head, company and
regimental drill were resumed, including also the skirmish drill and
bayonet exercise.
On January 31, Company C was ordered to Braddock's Point, at
the south end of Hilton Head Island, fourteen miles distant from
head-quarters, relieving a detachment of 1st Massachusetts Cavalry
on outpost duty. Capt. Price being still engaged as a member of
court-martial, the company was commanded by Lieut. Eachns.
The duty at Braddock's Point required a detail for three posts, for
observation, and to prevent rebel scouting parties from landing.
The company was relieved, on February 12, by Company E, 97th
P. v., under Lieut. John McNamee. That company remained on
duty until February 22, when it was relieved by Company B, of
the 97th, which, a week later, was relieved by a detachment of
Massachusetts Cavalry.
During January, six men were discharged for disability. Toward
the end of the month, the Department of South was reinforced by
a division of troops from Virginia and a detachment of the 18th
Army Corps, from North Carolina, known as the Expeditionary
Forces. The entire force comprised about twelve thousand excel-
lent troops, under the command of Maj. Gen. John G. Foster.
On February 6, 2d Lieut. Thomas E. Weber, Sergt. Benjamin F.
Stackhouse and Private Thomas C. Parsons, of Company A, and
Privates Alexander Beck, of Company C, and Abiah C. E. Miller,
of Company H, were detailed upon duty in United States Signal
Corps. Sergt. Stackhouse returned to the Regiment, August 16,
1863. Miller returned in February, 1864. The rest were trans-
ferred permanently to the signal corps. They were first stationed at
Hilton Head; afterward, under Lieut. Weber, at Kane Island, in
Beaufort River, and on Morris Island, S. C, in 1863, and on the
James River, in 1864, where Private Beck had charge of a station
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im.] PRACTICE IN DISEMBARKING FROM TRANSPORTS. 147
between James and Appomattox Rivers and subsequently at Dutch
Gap, Va. Private Thomas J. Miller, of Company A, Corp. Wil-
liam H. George and Private John G. Foard, both of Company H,
were afterward detailed upon the same service, and on August 9,
1863, were permanently transferred to the signal corps.
On February 11, the Regiment was paid, by Maj. J. O. Mason,
paymaster U. .S. V., for four months, to include December 31,
1862. On February 7, Private Charles Green, Company G, died, of
congestive fever, at Hilton Head.
On February 17, Capt. Price, of Company C, obtained permis-
sion, of Gen. A. H. Terry, commanding post, to proceed to Warsaw
Island, Ga., with a sergeant and ten men, to procure the bodies of
Lieut. Gardiner and Private Joseph R. McKinley, of Company C,
in order to send them to West Chester, for interment by their
friends. Capt. Price received an order from chief quarter-master,
Lieut. Col. J. J. Elwell, placing the steamer Boston at his service
for the purpose, on the return trip from Ossabaw Sound, Ga., to
which place it was to convey the 47th N. Y. Regiment, where
several days* delay occurred in landing it.
The steamer reached Warsaw Island, on the evening of the 24th.
The detail landed at once and disinterred the bodies without
trouble or delay of any kind. Within an hour after, they had been
enclosed in metallic coffins and were ready for departure, but
Capt Johnson preferred to remain at anchor until next morning.
Reached Hilton Head on the 25th. The bodies were subsequently
forwarded to West Chester, by Adams Express, the expense being
defrayed from the fund of Company C, by a unanimous vote of the
men.
About this time, Mr. J. C. Morgan, of Penningtonville, Chester
Co., visited the Regiment for the purpose of securing the discharge
of, and conveying to his home. Private John C. Brubaker, of
Company A, whose health was rapidly failing. Mr. Morgan was
welcomed by many friends in the Regiment, being the first visitor
from the district since leaving home. He remained at Hilton Head
mitil about March 4, when, his friend having received his discharge,
they returned to Chester County, where Brubaker soon aft;er died.
In anticipation of operations being renewed in Charleston Harbor,
Gen. Terry was having the regiments of his command practiced in
disembarking from transports upon the beach, and forming line of
bottle, in order to prepare the men for such service.
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148 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. [February,
On February 29, seven companies of the 97th Regiment were
taken on board the steamer Delaware for that purpose, Companies
A, B and I being absent. Gen. Terry accompanied the Regiment.
The steamer moved up the harbor to a point opposite Elliott's Plan-
tation, near Seabrook Point. Each company had been assigned its
position on the steamer from which to disembark and a lighter
arranged for each. Oarsmen had been designated and everything
in readiness when the order was given. Each company started at
once to enter the lighters, cast off and made for the shore, the con-
test being which should be the first in line. Company C, having
the colors, made every effort to have them on the line first, and
was successful. There was, however, but little difference in time,
the entire Regiment being in line, ready for the march, in fifteen
minutes after the order was given on board the steamer, distant
three hundred yards from shore. Gen. Terry highly complimented
the officers and men for the rapidity and order of the movement.
During the latter part of February and all of March, Company
B was stationed at Seabrook Point. Company G was detailed as
provost guard, at Hilton Head, in January, and remained on that
duty until March 30. On February 17, Companies A and I were
ordered to Paris Island, opposite St. Helena Island, to guard the
residents, mostly contrabands, from annoyance, by parties of soldiers
crossing over and robbing them of their produce. The companies
were stationed in a large cotton house, at one of the plantations,
having orders to allow no soldiers or civilians to land upon the
island without a pass from Brig. Gen. R. Saxon. Those compa-
nies remained on duty, at Paris Island, Capt. F. M. Guss in com-
mand, until March 31, when they returned to the Regiment, at
Hilton Head.
The freedmen of the island were then, and for a long time, in
charge of Mrs. F. D. Gage and her son, George D. Gage. The
former has since expressed their very great satisfaction on account
of the uniform kindness and courtesy of Capt. Guss and his officers
and the men of those companies under his command, while on duty
at that place, stating that no cause of complaint occurred from any
source while the island remained in their charge.
Before the occupation of Paris Island, by Capt. Guss' command,
the complaints of trespassing and injury to the property of the con-
trabands were both numerous and varied, culminating in the killing
and dressing for beef, by foraging soldiers, of a fine bull, the last
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IW3] DETACHMENT ON DUTY AT PARIS ISLAND. 149
of his sex on the island. At that time, the late lamented Lieut.
CoL Charles G. Halpine was assistant adjutant general upon Gen.
Hunter's staff, to whom this complaint was brought. Within a few
days afterward, the appended ballad was circulated, apparently from
the office of the New South, and was everywhere regarded as ema-
nating from the pen of that gifted writer. The incident thus
graphically portrayed became a "classic story" throughout the
camps of the department. To omit such a gem of poetic lustre
from the record of camp experiences, on the ground of its subject,
would seem to be a needless discrimination against merit, and wit
so well directed as to find appreciation by the entire command,
while serving, also, the important purpose of causing the men to be
thereafter more considerate of the rights and property of the island
tiUers.
THK BUTCHERED BULL.
A BALLAD OF PABI8 ISLAND.
The following memorial was addressed to Gen. HuDter, on last Monday, in
regard to a Bull, killed on Paris Island by some straggling soldiers from Oen.
Naglee's command. The name of the writer was not appended to the copy
which came into our possession through the kindness of a staff officer at
bead-quarters; but we have reason to believe that the verses emanate from a
distinguished source. — Ed.
Dear General H., my heart is full,
Lamenting for my butchered bull ; —
The only bull our Islands had,
And all my widowed cows are sad.
With briny tears, and drooping tails,
And loud boo-hoos and bovine wails,
My cows lament with wifely zeal
Their perished hopes of future Veal.
Sad is the wail of human wife
To see her partner snatched from life;
But he, — the husband of a score, —
For him the grief is more and more !
No future hope of golden cream ;
Even milk in tea becomes a dream: —
Whey, bonny-clabber, cheese and curds,
Are now, ah, me! mere idle words!
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150 HISTORY OF THE NINETY- SEVENTH REGIMENT. [February.
The cruel soldiers, fierce and full
Of reckless wrath, have shot my bull ;
The stateliest bull, — let^scoffers laugh, —
That e'er was "Father" called by calf I
A bull as noble, firm and fair
As that which aided Jove to bear
Europa from the flowery glade
Where she, amidst her maidens, played.
Dear General H., accept my vows,
And oh! take pity on my cows, —
With whom, bereft of wifely ties.
All tender hearts must sympathize.
Quick to Van Vliet your order send
(By Smith's congenial spirit penned),
And order him, in language full,
At once to send me down a Bull: —
If possible, a youthful beast.
With warm affections yet unplaced.
Who to my widowed cows may prove •
A husband of enduring love.
Port Royal, S. C, Feb. 18, 1863.
While stationed at Hilton Head, during the winter of 1862-63,
the men of Capt. Hamilton's battery, encamped near by, impro-
vised some very successful and interesting theatrical performances
that greatly relieved the monotony of camp life. The officers and
men of the diflferent commands were frequently in\ited to be pre-
sent. On the evening of Friday, 16th, the officers and men of the
97th were especially invited to attend. More than five hundred
of the Regiment were present and were highly gratified with the
entertainment.
During February, 1863, six men were discharged for disability.
On March 13, about 12.30 A. M., a rebel force succeeded in
landing near Spanish Wells and captured Post No. 1, at the signal
station, taking prisoners one sergeant and seven privates of the
9th Maine, the signal officer and two men. The rebels surprised
and captured their prisoners without firing a shot or causing any
alarm to be given and, when ready to leave, set fire to the signal
station, which gave the first notice of the raid. The light aroused
the reserve at Spanish Wells. In the attendant confusion, it could
only be ascertained that the men were missing and the building on
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1863.] ^j^ijy QP THjj ENEMY AT SPANISH WELLS. 151
fire. The other posts were all found to be undisturbed. It was
supposed the enemy must be on the island still, as the pickets were
enabled by the light to have a view of the river for a considerable
distance and no boats had been seen either approaching or depart-
ing. A courier was dispatched to Hilton Head, where an alarm
already prevailed, in consequence of the bright light. The 97th
P. V. was ordered to march to Spanish Wells at 1.30 A. M., but no
trace of the enemy was found beyond that at the signal station.
The Regiment returned to canap at 7 A. M. About thirty of the
men having been detailed, the previous evening, for duty in the
morning, they went to their post at 8 A. M., notwithstanding their
night march of over fourteen miles.
On March 22, the Regiment, with three others, marched six miles
to near Drayton's Place, and were there deployed right and left to
skirmish the intervening forest and swamps from Drayton's and
Spanish Wells toward the interior picket line, in order to capture a
rebel spy, who had several times been seen by the pickets, lurking
in the woods. The skirmish line extended nearly three miles in
length and was most carefully conducted through a dense under-
growth and other obstacles, but without success. The peculiar track
of the man was discovered in several places where he had been seen
walking previously. The scout occupied the entire day and part of
the ensuing night. Companies A, B, G and I, being on detached
duty, were not with the Regiment. Those companies returned to
the Regiment on March 31.
During March, 1863, nine men were discharged for disability.
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152 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. [April,
CHAPTER VI.
Second Expedition against Charleston; Campaign on James
Island; Capture of Morris Island and Assault upon Fort
Wagner; 'Siege and Capture of Forts Wagner and Gregg;
April to October, 1863.
SECOND advance against Charleston being determined
upon, Gen. Hunter had completed his preparations at
Hilton Head, by April 3, 1863, and the expedition was
ready for departure upon its destination. CoL Henry
R. Guss, of the 97th P. V., was assigned to the com-
mand of the 1st brigade Ist division of the 10th Army
Corps, consisting of the 8th Maine, 76th and 97th P.
v., the division being commanded by Brig. Gen.. A. H.
Terry.
Adjt. H. W. Carruthers, of the 97th P. V., was now detailed as
assistant adjutant general upon the staff of Col. Guss. 2d Lieut.
Isaac Smedley, of Company C, was then detailed acting adjutant
of the 97th P. V.
The Regiment, commanded by Lieut. Col. A. P. Duer, embarked
at 4 P. M., April 3, on the steamer Expounder • The transports lay
at anchor until the entire force was ready. Sailed at 3 A. M. on
the 5th. During the morning passed near the iron clad fleet at the
mouth of Edisto, and at 10.30 A. M. reached Stono Inlet, anchored
until 6 P. M., then entered Stono River and came to anchor near
Folly Island. Heard three or^four heavy guns in the direction of
Charleston Harbor. The transports remained at anchor, in Stono
River, during the 6th and 7th.
On April 6, 1863, in General Order No. 5, Head-Quarters, Terry*s
Division, 10th A. C, Capt. Mcllvaine was appointed ordnance offi-
cer upon the staff of Brig. Gen. A. H. Terty, commanding division,
and remained upon that duty until the acceptance of his resignation,
on account of failing health, being previously transferred to the staff
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^S<BJ hunter's second advance toward CHARLESTON. 153
of Brig. Gren. Joseph R. Hawley, who succeeded Gen. Terry in com-
mand of the division during the temporary leave of absence of the
latter. Cmnpauy H was from this time under the command of 2d
Lieut. George A. Lemaistre.
At 2 P. M^ on the 7th, the iron clad fleet having crossed the bar,
at the entrance to Charleston Harbor, commenced the bombardment
of Fort Sumter and the land batteries on Morris and Sullivan's Is-
lands. Heavy ^.nd continued firing- was heard during the afternoon.
On the ^h, the firing^ was not resumed.
On the 9tb, the brigade, with others, landed on Folly Island. One
hundred rounds of ammunition were issued to the men of the Regi-
ment, and preparations made for marching toward Morris Island.
Passed the night under blankets, having stacked arms near the
beach. Remained during the next day at the same place, the men
being allowed to build fires, cook coffee, etc. At 5 P. M., orders
were received to re-embark on the transports, the expedition being
ordered to return to Hilton Head, the bombardment of Sumter and
the other works not having secured sufficent advantage to warrant
an assault upon the rebel position on Morris Island. Col. John B.
HowelFs brigade remained to occupy Folly Island, and the 100th
N. Y., Col. Geo. F. B. Dandy, was stationed on Cole Island.
The transports arrived at Hilton Head at 5 P. M. on the 11th, and
anchored until the 12th, when the Regiment landed and occupied
its former camp ground, where it remained until the 16th, doing
picket and other duty.
On April 13, 1863, Capt. Mcllvaine was designated, in General
Order No. 31, Head-Quarters, U. S. Forces, Hilton Head, S. C, in
accordance with page 3, General Order, Department of the South,
to investigate and decide upon the complaints of negroes who had
been defirauded of their just earnings. Capt. Mcllvaine performed
this service, in addition to his staff duties, and claims to have taken
the first negro evidence on record in the Department of the South.
On April 16, the 1st brigade was again ordered to Edisto Island.
The 97lli embarked at 10 P. M., on board transport Ben Deford,
which sailed at 8.30 A. M. on the 17th. Arrived at Edisto at 12
M. and landed at 4.30 P. M. Companies A, F and I went on picket
immediately. The rest of the Regiment prepared to encamp near
the wharf, bringing boards, etc., from the old camp ground, which
was found just as it had been left nearly a year before. The 76th
P. V. arrived about 5 P. M. Details were made to construct a line
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154 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. [April.
of intrenchments just outside the camp of the brigade, running from
a point on the Edisto on the right to a creek on the left.
On April 21, the 97th P. V. was paid by Maj. Julian O. Mason,
paymaster U. S. V., for the two months ending February 28, 1863.
On the same day, orders were received, transferring the 97th P. V.
from the 1st brigade and attaching it to the 3d brigade, 1st division,
commanded by Brig. Gen. Thomas G. Stevenson, who was also in
command of all the forces on the Edisto, his brigade being then at
Seabrook Point, John's Island, across the Edisto River. Col. Guss
earnestly endeavored to have the order countermanded, desiring to
retain his Regiment in his own brigade, but was unsuccessfiil. The
Regiment was, therefore, reluctantly separated from its beloved com-
mander. Companies B, E, F and K, under command of Lieut. Col.
Duer, were sent over to Seabrook Point, on the 21 st, to prepare the
ground for encampment, with Gen. Stevenson's brigade, it being
covered with rubbish and fallen trees, which had to be burned.
The remaining companies, under command of Maj. Pennypacker,
crossed the river on the 22d. Col. Guss remained in command of
his brigade, which was encamped on Botany Bay Island, adjoining
Edisto Island. He was assigned to the command of the forces on
Botany Bay, about May 3, 1863, and continued in command at that
place until the troops advanced toward Charleston, about July 8,
the 3d N. H. being added to his brigade. The 97th P. V. en-
camped on the edge of a wood, near the beach, at the mouth of
Edisto River. The brigade consisted of the 24th Mass. and the
lOth Conn., both encamped near the river, on the left; the 56th
N. Y. on the right. The 97th P. V. and a company of the 1st N.
Y. Engineers was also encamped on the extreme right. Company
A, of the 97th, was detailed for fatigue duty, on the 24th, to work
upon a battery being erected on the left of the advanced picket
line at some distance from the encampment. One company was
detailed each day for this duty when the Regiment was not on duty
at the front. The picket duty was performed, for a week at a time,
by each regiment in turn, having two reserve stations, a little in the
rear of the line, from which daily details for picket were made.
On April 26, Capts. McConnell and Hawkins and recruiting
party rejoined the Regiment.
On the 26th, Lieut. Col. Duer being ordered to Hilton Head,
on court-martial duty, Maj. G. Pennypacker then commanded the
Regiment.
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\m.] PICKET AND OTHER DUTY ON JOHN^S ISLAND. 155
During the month of April, two men died; none discharged.
On May 3, Lieut. Smedley, of Company C, having previously re-
signed on account of disability, received an honorable discharge,
but did not return home until the middle of July, 1st Lieut. John
Wainwright, of Company F, was detailed as acting adjutant of the
figment, on May 8, and served until June 10.
On May 6, in compliance with orders from head-quarters, De-
partment of the South, furloughs were granted to one-twentieth of
the men of each company, in all thirty-seven men, of the Regiment,
for thirty days from date of sailing from Hilton Head. They left
on the 10th, in company with Adjt. Carruthers, A. A. G., Ist
brigade, who received a short leave of absence, and sailed, on the
12th, from Hilton Head, S. C. Gen. Terry, commanding division.
Post Qr. Mr. Jones and Capt. McCoy obtained leave of absence;
also Mrs. St. John. They all went north together. Lieut. McGrath
received a leave of absence, a few days later, and went home.
On May 7, the 97th P. V., in command of Maj. G. Pennypacker,
reUeved the 24th Mass. on picket, the reserve stations being in a
wood about three miles from the camp and a short distance in the
rear of the picket line. The reserve force was now called up at 2
A. M., to stand at arms in line until sunrise, to guard against sur-
prise from the enemy, whose cavalry pickets were directly in front.
On May 9, Gen. Stevenson visited the line of pickets. He com-
mended the officers and men for the vigilant and faithftil discharge
of their duties at the front and for the general order of the line.
On the afternoon of the 10th, a small force of rebel cavalry ad-
vanced a short distance beyond their line, apparently with the
intention of drawing our fire. They then fired a few shots ynth
their carbines, but without effect. The fire was not returned. The
lesen'e was held in readiness in case of an attack by a larger force
that was observed sheltered behind the houses and hedges near the
rebel line. There was, however, no further advance made.
The 97th was relieved from picket at 8 A. M., on the 14th, by the
56th N. Y., and returned to camp.
On the 18th, Companies A, B, I and K were detailed for work
on the new battery; on the 19th, Companies C, E, F, G and H;
on the 21st, Companies A, B, C and D; on the 23d, Companies A,
B, I and K; on the 26th and the 29th, companies not designated
were engaged upon the same service.
On May 24, Capts. Price, Mendenhall, McConnell and Lewis
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156 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. [Apnl.
were ordered to Hilton Head, to attend court-martial as witnesses,
and were absent for several days. A squad of men from each com-
pany was sent to Hilton Head, with those officers, to bring up a
portion of the camp and garrison equipage of the Regiment left at
that post.
On May 25, Sergt. Burton and Privates A. Chandler, William
Givin and V. Yarnall, of Company A, were detailed as a patrol
guard, at Gen. Stevenson's head-quarters, to examine boats of con-
trabands and others trading in the river.
On May 25, the Regiment was engaged on fatigue duty, cutting
timber; also on the 27th and 30th.
During the month, nine men were discharged for disabihty and
one man died of chronic diarrhoea. These names appear in the
record.
On June 3, the Regiment was again on fatigue duty, at the new
battery, near the picket reserve.
On the 4th, the Regiment was again detailed for picket, for the
ensuing week. Marched to the front at 8 A. M., where the usual
detail was made and sent to relieve the 24th Mass.
During that day, while some of the men not on duty were bath-
ing in Kiawah Inlet, Private Hanford T. Griffith, of Company H,
was drowned. Every exertion was made by his comrades to rescue
him, unavailingly. His body was not recovered for two and a half
hours.
On June 6, Lieut. Eachus, of Company C, having been detailed
for duty in the commissary department, was ordered to Beaufort.
On the same day, Lieut. Col. Duer and Capts. Price, Mendenhall,
McConnell and Lewis returned to the Regiment, being relieved
from attendance upon court-martial.
On the morning of the 11th, the Regiment was relieved from
picket, by the 56th N. Y., and returned to camp. The men to
whom furloughs had been granted, on May 6, returned from the
north and rejoined the Regiment on the 11th. Adjt. Carruthers,
Qr. Mr. Jones and Lieut. McGrath also returned.
On June 12, Gen. Stevenson inspected and reviewed his brigade
on the beach opposite the camp.
On the 15th, Maj. Pennypacker ordered the Regiment out for
regimental drill, being the first time since January. It was con-
tinued, whenever practicable, while the Regiment remained on the
island.
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^^ 3 THE ENEMY ATTACK THE PICKET LINES. 157
On June 16, Gen. Hunter was relieved of the command of the
Department of the South, by Brig. Gen. Q. A. Gilraore, who im-
mediately commenced preparations for active operations at the front,
on Folly Island, and to concentrate his disposable forces on James
Isknd as a feint to those operations.
On June 18, three companies of the 10th Conn, were advanced
outside the picket lines, as far as the old sugar mill, one and a half
miles, where they encountered a force of cavalry and infantry. A
brisk skirmish fire ensued, which was kept up as the 10th Conn,
returned in order to the lines. The rebels followed, opening, also,
an artillery fire upon the lines. The reserves having two pieces of
artillery, manned by a detachment of the 3d Rhode Island Artillery,
advanced their guns to the front and opened fire. The 97th P.
v., being in camp three miles off, was ordered to the support of the
picket line. Maj. Pennypacker marched the Regiment in double
quick time to the front. The men marched eagerly and without
straggUng, anxious to reach the line in time to take a hand in the
firing that was going on briskly between the artillery forces and in-
fantry, which continued actively on both sides for a considerable
time. ^ The monitors on the Edisto River moved into position and
opened an effective fire upon the enemy's flank. The rebels, finding
such an energetic resistance, did not attempt to charge the lines,
and soon retired, having one piece of artiUery dismounted. The
97th reached the front just as the en^emy withdrew. Our loss was
one man wounded and two artillery horses disabled.
On the evening of the 19th, the movements of the enemy caused
the monitors in the Edisto to open fire, but no advance was made.
About June 20, many of the men of the Regiment were taken
sick with chills and fever and diarrhoea, which continued to prevail
for several weeks.
On the 23d, the Regiment was paid by Maj. J. O. Mason, pay-
master U. S. v., for the two months ending April 30, 1868.
On the 24th, a general inspection of the Regiment was made by
Capt. William Pratt, A. A. Insp. Gen. and Capt. Clark, A. A. Gen.
On the 30th, the Regiment was mustered for two months^ pay
and inspected by Lieut. CoL A. P. Duer, assisted by Maj. Penny-
packer and Adjt. Carruthers.
During the month, three men were discharged for disability.
On July 2, the Regiment was again detailed for picket for the
week, and relieved the 24th Mass. Remained upon the line until
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158 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. {Jn}rf
the 7th, with no unusual occurrence. Were then relieved by four
companies of the 24th Mass. and returned to camp, where orders
awaited the Regiment to be ready to move, in light marching
order, at short notice. The 56th N. Y., 10th Conn, and six com-
panies of the 24th Mass. had already embarked on the transports.
Asst. Surgeon Morrison, of the 97th, was detailed, July 7, as
medical officer for the 24th Mass., with which he remained on duty
about one month. 2d Lieut. George A. Lemaistre, of Company H,
received a short leave of absence, on account of failing health, and
returned home. Company H was commanded, during his absence,
by Lieut. Wainwright, of Company F. Sutler John F. Forrest
also returned home, for a short period, to procure supplies.
The 97th P. V., remained in camp, at Seabrook, until the evening
of the 8th, when the right companies of the Regiment went on
board the steamer Delaware, under command of Lieut. Col. Duer,
and the left, on the Beaufort, under command of Maj. Pennypacker,
leaving the camp, with the sick and convalescent men who were
unfit for duty, in charge of Capt. McConnell;, of Company E. A
small infantry force remained to guard the camp, w;hich was pro-
tected by the monitors in the river.
The troops being all embarked, the expedition went to sea at 10
A. M. on the 9th. At daylight, the fleet had arrived off Charleston,
Fort Sumter looming up to view in the centre, the Moultrie
House, on Sullivan's Island, on the right, and the signal lookout at
Secession ville, James Island, on the left. At 11 A. M., the trans-
ports of Gen. Terry's division, preceded by the gunboats Pawnee and
Com. McDonough, the monitor Nantucket and a mortar schooner,
entered the Stono River, came to anchor until evening, and then
proceeded up the river, the naval vessels firing a few shell into the
woods on each side as they advanced. The transports anchored
opposite Legareeville for the night.
Early on the morning of the 10th, the 104th and 52d P. V.,
commanded by Col. W. W. H. Davis, of the 104th, were landed on
James Island, and immediately advanced a short distance, when one
company was thrown forward as pickets, at the bridge %t* the head
of the causeway, the landing being made at the point occupied by
Gen. Stevens the preceding year. The left wing of the 97th P. V.,
having previously joined the right, on the steamer Delaware, landed
at 4 A. M. with the remainder of Gen. Teryy's division. After the
landing had been effected, the troops stacked arms and bivouacked
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1W8-3 gilmore's operations on folly island. 159
until 8 A, M. Meanwhile, the line had been advanced near half
a mile, where a picket line was established.
The force left on Folly Island, in April, had been increased by
detachments by the 1st N. Y. Eng., 1st U. S. Art'y, 3d R. I. Art'y
and the 3d N. Y. Art'y, all under command of Brig. Gen. Israel
Vogdes, of Chester County, a cousin of Capt. William Wayne, of
the 97th, who had recently been appointed colonel of the United
States artillery and brevet brigadier general in the United States
army. This force had been engaged, after the suspension of
operations in April, in clearing the impenetrable undergrowth, to
afford camping ground, and in opening roads for the movement
of supplies, artillery, etc., to the north end of the island, and after-
ward, under the direction of Gen. Gilmore, in secretly erecting
batteries for the reduction of the enemy's works on the lower end
of Morris Island, which borders the southern entrance to Charleston
Harbor. I'hese operations were conducted with the utmost secrecy
and success, the enemy being totally unaware of the progress of
the work until the guns of Gen. Gilmore's batteries opened upon
their position, at 4 A. M. on July 10. It had been evident, how-
ever, that some suspicion was entertained of danger from this
quarter, a heavy fire from the enemy's guns having opened occa-
sionally upon the position, during the progress of the work, which
killed and wounded several men; but as no reply was made, or
other indication of its eflfect, probably disarmed all suspicion of there
being any other force on Folly Island than the usual picket of ob-
servation. When all was in readiness. Gen. Gilmore, having con-
centrated his forces upon Folly Island, during the cover of night,
embarked the troops designated for the assault in lighters that
had been collected at a convenient spot in the Stono River. The
force selected was Gen. Strong's brigade, consisting of the 76th P.
v., 6th and 7th Conn., 3d N. H., four companies of the 48th N. Y.,
9th Maine, and a detailed force of sharp-shooters. These embarked
in the lighters, early in the evening of July 9, and about 11 P. M.
began to move cautiously through the shallow channels leading
toward Light House Inlet. At daylight, they lay behind the point
at the mouth of the creek that passes Secessionville. Five navy
laanches, with howitzers on board, in charge of Lieut. Com. S. B.
Bunce, executive officer of the Pawnee, convoyed the lighters, and
when the attack commenced they moved up Light House Inlet and
opened upon the rebel rifle pits.
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160 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. [^^^7^
Everything being in readiness, at 4.30 A. M., on the 10th, Gen.
Gilmore opened fire, from his batteries, upon the rebel position on
Morris Island, carrying complete surprise to the enemy just as the
reveille was sounded in their camps. Many officers and men were
killed and wounded while standing at roll call. The assaulting
force moved into line in Lighthouse Creek, the left, toward Black
Island. A shell from the enemy struck one of the boats, sinking it
and taking off the leg of a man of the 6th Conn. ; he, however,
swam to another boat, but died soon afterward from the loss of blood.
8IEOB OF CHARLESTON.
About 6.30, Gen. Strong gave orders to advance the boats and land.
A portion of the 7th Conn., led by Capt. V. B. Chamberlain, Com-
pany A, first reached the shore, and with a shout of triumph dashed
forward and drove the enemy from their rifle pits, suffering a small
loss. Gen. Strong led his men gallantly in the charge upon the re-
maining rifle pits. Then the whole force charged upon the batteries
on the sand bluffs, capturing these in a few minutes, then closely
followed in pursuit of the enemy, retreating toward the north end
of Morris Island, capturing about one hundred prisoners, a large
amount of stores, and ammunition, together with eight guns, two
mortars, a large number of tents, camp equipage, etc. After
passing beyond the Beacon House, the fire of the enemy's guns at
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1865.] OPERATIONS ON MORRIS AND JAMES ISLANDS. 161
Forts Wagner and Sumter prevented any closer pursuit. Possession
of more than three-fourths of the island was thus secured.
Many of the prisoners captured were conscripts and substitutes,
who were desirous of taking the oath of allegiance, having suffered
untold privations, and were more pleased than otherwise with being
captured. Several confederate flags were captured, one of which
had inscribed upon it "Pocotaligo."
Gren, Gillmore's loss was eighteen killed, ninety-six wounded and
two taken prisoners, a total loss of one hundred and sixteen. Gen.
Beauregard subsequently reported his loss at three hundred, killed
and wounded, including sixteen officers.
To resume the account of Gen. Terry's operations on James
Island, intended originally as a feint to withdraw the attention of
the enemy from the preparations going on at Folly Island; the 97th
P. V. had been detailed for picket soon after landing and at 8 A. M.
started toward the front. On the march, they received the news of
the capture of the enemy's works, on Morris Island, by Gen.
Strong's brigade, which had just been signalled to Gen. Terry from
the station on Folly Island, in charge of Lieut. Weber and the men
of the 97th upon that service. It was welcome news indeed; the men
cheered lustily and advanced to the front in fine spirits. The picket
Ime had been established near the one held last year by Gen.
Stevens' command, the enemy's pickets being in sight of the posi-
tion. Heavy firing was heard during most of the day from the
iron-clad fleet, which had crossed the bar at the entrance to the
harbor and participated with Gen. Gillmore's advance. On July 10,
Col. Guss visited the Regiment on James Island and was gladly
welcomed by all.
In consequence of a rearrangement of troops, by Gen. Gillmore,
after the withdrawal of Col. Guss' command from Botany Bay, it
was determined to assign him to the command of a brigade to which
his own regiment might be again attached. Pending this arrange-
ment, he was directed to report to Gen. A. H. Terry for duty and
was by that officer temporarily attached to his staff as its chief, he
being thoroughly familiar with the strategic position and condition
of James Island, from his regiment having participated with the
operations of the previous year. He was the only officer of his
rank present who had the same experience. When Gen. Terry's
division vras ordered to Morris Island, Col. Guss resumed command
of his Regiment and led it in the assault upon Fort Wagner. He
11
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162 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. ^^^^^^
remained with it until assigned to the command of the 1st brigade,
in which Grens. Strong and Vogdes had preceded him.
On the 11th, the picket line was advanced some distance, sup-
ported by the 104th and the 52d P. V. and the 56th N. Y. and 54th
Mass. (colored) on the right, and by the 24th Mass., 10th Conn,
and 97th P. V. on the left. The entire force bivouacked, in line of
battle, in rear of the picket line, during the night following.
While the line was being advanced, the gunboat Pawnee fired a few
shot at Tower Battery (our old acquaintance), near SecessionviUe.
Near the same time, the steamer General Hunter was fired into,
from John's Island, by rebel sharp-shooters The Commodore Mc-
Donough threw some shell in return, which dispersed the rebels.
The troops continued to bivouac, in line of battle, near the picket
line, until July 12, when they encamped in a field half a mile from
the landing, the left of the camp flanked by an impassable swamp.
The men being without tents had only the shelter of gum blankets.
On the 12th, heavy firing was kept up during the day in Charles-
ton Harbor. The gunboats in Stono River shelled rebel scouting
parties on John's Island. A portion of the 54th Mass. was sent to
Legareeville, on picket.
At 5 P. M., on the 13th, Companies B, C, G, H and I were de-
tailed for picket and occupied the centre of the line. Remained
without particular incident, until 5 P. M., on the 14th, when these
companies were relieved by the other companies of the Regiment.
They continued on duty until the evening of the 15th, when they
were relieved by the 10th Conn. The 54th Mass. occupied the right
of the picket line at that time.
At 4 A. M., on July 16, the rebels attacked the picket line with
great vigor. The 10th Conn, and 54th Mass. made a determined
resistance, but, the rebels advancing in force, they were compelled
to retire, disputing every inch of ground Many of the 54th Mass.
had remained at their posts until overpowered and slain, and were
then horribly mutilated where they fell.
A rebel battery of six pieces, twelve-pounders, had been ad-
vanced, on the left, to a position in rear of the buildings on Grim-
ball's Plantation, close under the guns of the Pawnee, and opened
fire upon her with great energy, firing fifty-two shot before she
could return the fire. The attack being made just at the turn of
the tide, it was a considerable time before she could be got in posi-
tion to turn her guns upon the enemy, which, however, was at
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1868.1 ACTION AT STBVBNS' LANDING, JAMES ISLAND. 163
length accomplished, when a few well-directed shot sent them rapidly
to a more safe place with their battery. The rebels, in the mean-
time, had advanced in force upon Gen. Terry's position. Gen.
Stevenson's brigade occupied the right of the front line and Col.
Shaw's 64th Mass. the left. Col. W. W. H. Dans' brigade, with
the 2d S. C, Col. Montgomery, held the second line, one hun-
dred yards in rear of the first. Thus disposed. Gen. Terry's forces
awaited the approach of the enemy, whose object, evidently, was
to capture the entire force or to drive it from the island, no doubt
witfi the belief that Gen. Terry had no artillery landed. Prisoners,
subsequently captured, reported that intelligence to that eflfect had
been given the enemy by a deserter from our lines, who had been
held subject to be shot if his information should prove to be in-
correct. The enemy rapidly pushed forward a battery of twelve-
pounders, on the right, to within a short distance of our lines, open-
ing a brisk fire upon the tents and ambulances in the rear, in
view from their position. The men, having been ordered to lie
down, were not exposed to view ; they thus escaped the severity of
the fire directed just over them. One of the sick in the hospital
was mortally wounded by the first fire. One of the Massachusetts
cavalrymen was also wounded and his horse killed. The main body
of the enemy had approached, under cover of the irregularity of the
ground, very near to our position and began deploying their lines
across the open field to cover our front.
After the artillery of the enemy had fired five shots, the guns of
the 1st Conn. Art'y, Capt. Rockwell, opened in reply, dismounting,
at the first fire, two of the enemy's guns, killing several men and
three of their horses. Their guns only fired two shot afterward. A
well-directed artillery fire was then poured into the ranks of the
mfantry advancing in front, Terry's infantry being still concealed
from their view by the rise in the ground. The enemy's advance
was suddenly brought to a halt and the command, "About face; in
retreat, march," was given, the orders being distinctly heard. Our
men, impatiently expecting the order to open fire upon the ad-
vancing foe, were now more eager to be up and after them; but
Gen. Terry, being in communication, by signal telegraph, with Gen.
Gillmore, on Folly Island, had been ordered to await the approach
of the enemy upon his position, and to give battle on that ground
if they should venture close enough, but in no event to follow, or
risk a general engagement outside his position, the enemy being in
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164 HISTOBT OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. ^^^^y^
greatly superior force, and capable of maintaining their ground if
followed to their own well-intrenched position. The force numbered
about four thousand men, including a brigade of Stonewall Jack-
son's cprps; also some Georgia and North Carolina regiments, all
under command of the rebel Gen. Shepley. Gen. Terry was also
aware that the movement upon James Island was intended to
occupy the attention of the enemy as much as possible while more
important operations were directed against Morris Island.
The artillery fire continued to hasten the retreat of the enemy.
A skirmish line was sent forward to follow them as far as the line
formerly occupied. This force captured eight or ten stragglers and
brought in the killed and wounded. The picket line was imme-
diately re-established.
Company B, of the 97th, under 1st Lieut. Savage, was ordered
out as a part of the skirmish force. Sergt. Nichols, of that com-
pany, captured a sergeant of the 19th Ga., and handed him over to
Gen. Terry. The enemy carried oflf many of their wounded and a
few of their killed. The 54th Mass. suflFered most heavily, as they
occupied the part of the line most vigorously attacked. Our entire
loss was eight killed and twenty-four wounded. The enemy's must
have been very much greater. A memorandum of the loss in two
North Carolina regiments in this action, afterward found in the
pocket of a rebel soldier, captured on Morris Island, stated that it
amounted to one hundred and twenty-five.
On the evening of July 16, Gen. Terry received orders to eva-
cuate James Island. The troops embarked on transports during
the night. Company F, being detailed for duty, at the landing,
was engaged during the entire night loading heavy ordnance and
ordnance stores of the battery, having to work in mud and water
nearly waist deep, a service not relished by the men, who could not
well understand why infantry troops should be compelled to work
all night in the mud and wet, handling the ordnance stores for
artillerymen, who marched past them, while at work, dry shod, on
pontoons, to the transports. Any little cursing that was done just
then by Company F was regarded as quite natural if not exciMohle.
The 97th P. V., being left to cover the embarkation, was the last
regiment to leave the island, at 3 A. M., on the 17th, going on
board the transport Island City. Then steamed down the river to
Folly Island. Landed at sunrise and stacked arms near the beach,
where the men were allowed to rest during the day, under shelter
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1W3.] JAMES ISLAND EVACUATED. MORRIS ISLAND. 165
of their blankets. At dark, started on the march up the beach
toward Morris Island. Reached Lighthouse Inlet, at midnight,
having marched about seven miles. At this point, Gen. Terry re-
ceived orders to detach from his command Gen. Stevenson's brigade.
Col. Shaw's 54th Mass. and the 2d S. C, with orders to report to
Gen. Strong, on Morris Island, and to retain Col. W. W. H. Davis'
brigade, with himself in command of the forces, on Folly Island.
This was, of course, a great disappointment to both Gen. Terry and
his troops, who desired to have him continue in command on Morris
Island. In the endeavor to secure this. Gen. Terry went over to
see if Gen. Gillmore would not permit him to lead his division in
the expected assault upon Fort Wagner. With what success was
not then ascertained, but within the next two days the fortunes of
war had placed Gen. Terry in a more important command than he
had yet held, being the second in the department.
When the troops which were to cross to Morris Island reached
Lighthouse Inlet, lighters were found in readiness for each company,
into which they entered and rowed across in the darkness and rain,
the landing spot being indicated by a light stationed on the oppo-
site side. After all the companies had landed, the Regiment was
formed in line and marched, during a drenching rain, about half a
mile and halted among the sand hills. Arms were then stacked,
and the men ordered to lie down for the night where they halted.
Rubber blankets were the only shelter. The pouring rain had
already soaked every portion of the clothing, so all lay down with-
out any effort to find comfort or shelter and, being very tired, were
soon silent in sound sleep. Such rest as could be found was en-
tirely undisturbed by complaining that could bring no relief to
discomfort.
The morning of the 18th found the men wet, hungry and but
Uttle rested after the night's march, but the cooks soon had the
coffee boilers steaming, and the clouds breaking away, the sun dried
their wet clothes, while draughts of the invigorating Mocha put
new life and spirits into the tired bodies of the men, who leisurely
began the next work after the meal, which a soldier always looks
to, cleaning his gun and accoutrements. These were required to be
put in order preparatory to a general review that was ordered for
5 P. M., a significant proceeding which all knew meant business
soon aft;er.
When Gten. Strong's forces had driven the enemy from the lower
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166 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH BEGIMENT. [Julj,
end of Morris Island, on the 10th, it had been intended to follow
up his success by an immediate assault upon Fort Wagner, then held
by a strong garrison, under Col. Lawrence M. Keitt, but the men were
found to have become too much exhausted by their morning's work
and the excessive heat of the day. The attack was, therefore, post-
poned imtil the next day and the troops allowed to rest. Some light
defensive lines were thrown up across the narrow strip of land to
prevent an assault from the enemy.
On the 11th, soon after midnight, Gen. Strong advanced his
forces to within a short distance of the fort and, having selected the
7th Conn., 76th P. V. and the 9th Maine to lead the assault in the
order named, held his remaining force in reserve. The enemy's
pickets were encountered about two hundred yards from the work
and driven to the shelter of the fort. The 7th Conn., led by Lieut.
Col. D. C. Rodman, then advanced with a loud cheer under a severe
fire of grape and canister and, dashing forward, reached the crest of
the works.
The 76th P. V., at the same time, charged upon another angle of
the work, led by Maj. John W. Hicks, with great gallantry in the
face of a withering fire. Maj. Hicks and many other officers and
men were wounded, but the regiment pressed forward, its ranks
fearfully thinned as it ascended the glacis, the moat was crossed
and the parapet reached by many of the brave fellows who were
there swept down just upon the threshold of success. The 9th
Maine followed bravely through the fearful fire until its ranks were
mowed down by the enemy's guns, then halted and again advanced,
gallantly trying to face the ordeal, but the destructive fire from the
parapet swept down the advancing ranks and drove back those who
had reached the crest, but were unable to enter. The order to
retreat being given, the destruction became even more fatal. Lieut.
Col. Rodman was severely wounded, his leg being shattered- He
was almost the only one brought off from the slopes of the work.
The 76th P. V. left upon the glacis and in the moat one hundred
and thirty men and five officers, of about three hundred and fifty
who were engaged in the action. The 7th Conn, lost one hundred
and three, killed, wounded and missing; the 9th Maine, thirty-four,
and the 3d N. H. one killed and one wounded.
After this unsuccessful effort, it was evident that a larger force
would be requisite to carry Fort Wagner by assault, or its reduc-
tion accomplished by regular siege. The necessary preparations to
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ISeS.] MOBRIS ISLAND. FIRST ASSAULT ON TORT WAGNER. 167
begin the work were immediately entered upon and operations com-
menced on the 13th.
Early on the morning of the 14th, the enemy made a sortie from
Fort Wagner upon Gen. Strong's position, but his pickets were too
well upon the alert to be surprised.
After a sharp contest, the enemy
was driven back. Our loss was one
killed, two wounded and one taken
prisoner.
The first line, located near the
Beacon House, at a distance of
seventeen hundred yards from Fort
Wagner, was completed by the 17th,
notwithstanding the enemy's vigor-
ous fire upon the men at work in beacon house.
the trenches.
The guns and mortars were removed from the batteries on Folly
Island, brought forward and mounted in the works upon Morris
Island. By the morning of the 18th, these were placed in position
in the following order; on the right, four three-inch rifled pieces;
next, six ten-pounder Parrotts; next to these, two thirty-pounder
Parrotts and three eight-inch wege mortars in place on the left of
the parallel Besides these there had been erected what were known
as the Left Batteries, in which were mounted four twenty-pounder
Parrotts, four eight-inch 'mortars and three thirty-pounder Parrotts.
This was the situation upon the morning after Gen. Stevenson's
brigade landed on Morris Island.
Gen. Gillmore now determined upon making another effort to
carry Fort Wagner by a more formidable force thrown against it,
after a bombardment should have silenced its guns, if possible, or
weakened its defensive force. Accordingly, a most effective fire was
concentrated upon it by the land batteries and by the naval fleet in
the harbor, consisting of the formidable New Ironsides, monitors
Weehawken, Patapsco, Nahant and Catskill and gunboat Paul
Jones, which ran within close range of the work and opened an
incessant and brilliant fire. The land batteries also made most ex-
cellent work, their firing being quite accurate. These were in
charge of Lieut. Col. Richard H. Jackson, captain 1st U. S. Art'y,
on the right, and Maj. James E. Bailey, 3d R. I. Art'y, on the left.
The enemy replied from Fort Wagner occasionally, but more vigor-
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168 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. ^^^^T-
ously from Forts Sumter, Johnson, Moultrie, Battery Gre^ and
Battery Bee. The rebel flag on Fort Wagner was struck by a shell
which cut the staff and halliards away. A regimental flag was soon
put up on the parapet and afterward a confederate flag near it.
By 4 P. M., there was no further response from Fort Wagner, the
concentrated fire having driven the men from their guns to the
shelter of their bombproofs.
At the appointed hour, 5 P. M., Gen. Gillmore reviewed all the
troops not on duty at the front, on the beach near his head-
quarters, in sight of Forts Sumter and Moultrie. A few shell were
thrown from the latter that did not quite reach the position. In
KEW IB0N6IDBB A19D MONITORS.
half an hour after the review was over. Gen. Stevenson's brigade
and Col. Shaw's 54th Mass., having been ordered to prepare to join
the forces at the front, to participate in the assault, were on the
march toward Fort Wagner. Meanwhile, the incessant firing upon
both sides, with the shot and shell crashing overhead, or whizzing
in close proximity to the advancing ranks, was an experience that
told of active service close at hand. The men marched steadily
and silently forward, still nearer to the enemy's works as the
gathering darkness, obscuring the view, caused the fire to be dis-
continued. Gen. Strong's brigade had, during the day, occupied a
position near the batteries on the left. He now moved up near to
an old house at the right batteries. Col. Putnam's brigade had
remained during the day at the bluffs, at the right of the Beacon
House. When Gen. Strong moved forward he advanced to his
support, both forces being now deployed across the open land, ad-
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^*^ ] MOBRIS ISLAND. SECOND ASSAULT ON FORT WAGNER. 169
vancing within six hundred yards of Fort Wagner. ^ Gen. Steven-
son's brigade had, at this time, reached a position to the left of the
Beacon House. He was then directed to move up the beach to a
position near the old house. The entire force advanced to the
designated places in steady tramp, while the thoughts of all were
impressively occupied with a feeling of the desperate encounter in
which they were soon to participate. Some must fall; but who
could tell what home was destined to receive the fatal message that
their loved one had fallen amid the darkness and the conflict that
was now so near at hand. But all pressed forward where duty
called, hoping and trusting.
Heavy black clouds overspread the sky, rendering the darkness
more complete. The 54th Mass. had been designated to lead the
assault. When moving from their camp, after the review, they
were cheered by all the troops as they passed to the right of the
column. The enemy had opened fire from the time the old house
was reached by Gen. Strong's troops. This increased in intensity as
the other forces advanced. The guns of Fort Wagner swept the
beach while the barbette guns of Fort Sumter and Cummings'
Point enfiladed the flank. The air was filled with deadly missiles
from every quarter, yet the men dashed bravely on at double quick
over the last six hundred yards. Col. Shaw leading the 24th Mass.,
followed by Strong's and Putman's brigades, in the order named,
Gen. Seymour being in command of the assault.
As the troops pressed forward, the clear commands of the
oflScers were heard, amid the crash of battle, cheering the men,
who responded as they sprang on, over the ditches and up
the slopes, in successive regimental lines. The ranks of the
foremost were shattered and broken by the incessant fire. The
ground was cumbered by the wounded and dying, over whose
bodies the rear regiments had to climb to reach the top, where they
encoimtered the bayonets of the determined foe, yet they pressed
on. Many gained the crest and drove the enemy from their guns
upon the curtain of the works. A few reached that part of the
parapet from which they could fire upon the entrances to the
bombproof in view. But the enemy from behind the traverses
and bastions kept up such a terrible and incessant fire that
our troops suffered intensely, being unable in the darkness to
overcome the advantage of the enemy's more accurate knowledge
of the position, which resulted in deciding the contest against the
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170 mSTORT OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. l^^^^'
utmost valor and unflinching perseverance of the brave and gallant
men, who had reached the perilous crest of the work only to meet
the death-dealing storm of shot, shell and hand-grenades that were
hurled upon them from the greatly superior numbers within the
shelter of the works. To particularize the deeds of valor of the
different brigades and regiments would be useless when all did so
well and bravely. The 6th Conn., led by its gallant colonel, John
L. Chatfield, charged twice over a traverse to capture a gun that
was sweeping grape and canister through the ranks. But he fell,
severely wounded, and his men were at last compelled to fall back
to the shelter of the slope. Col. Chatfield lay for two hours where
he fell. He was assisted by a private of another regiment, also
wounded, who scraped a trench beside the colonel's body, in which
he found shelter from the enemy's fire, and afterward helped him
to a place of safety. The colonel, however, died of his wounds, a
few weeks later, at his home in Connecticut.
The 54th Mass. at the outset made a brave and desperate charge,
led by its intrepid commander. Col. Robert G. Shaw. But the
enemy, recognizing the presence of colored troops, concentrated a
storm of grape, canister and musketry that mowed them down with
fearful slaughter. They then made a rush to capture the colors of
the 64th. The color sergeant, Henry W. Carney, had been shot
dead in the charge, but another had grasped them and carried them
to the front. In the desperate encounter that ensued for possession
of the colors, by the enemy, the men of the 54th fought desperately.
The bayonets, in a hand-to-hand struggle, clashed and gleamed in
the flashes of light, while the flags were alternately siezed by each
party to be retaken in turn. The 54th was finally overcome and
driven back by the superior numbers that confronted the remnant.
They brought off with them one tattered flag and the staff of the
other, from which every shred of the flag had been torn in the fear-
ful strife.
Col. Shaw was buried by the enemy, where he fell, with twenty-
two of his brave men who were found fallen at his side.
For nearly half an hour the 1st brigade continued a hand-to-
hand fight with the enemy. Nearly every commissioned officer was
shot down. When the hopelessness of longer continuance was ap-
parent, Maj. Josiah G. Plympton, of the 3d N. H., brought off the
remnant of Gen. Strong's brigade.
CoL Putnam's brigade had been advanced closely in support of
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18«3.J MORRIS ISLAND. SECOND ASSAULT ON PORT WAGNER. 171
Gen. Strong's movements. The officers met and endeavored to rally
the straggling forces that were in retreat from the front. Finally,
lient. Col. Joseph C. Abbott, of the 7th N. H., massed his men
with a portion of the 100th N. Y., and advanced to the parapet of
the fort, while a part of Gen. Strong's brigade still held their po-
sition upon that part of the work.
Col. Putnam had also advanced and occupied a part of the
work from which Gen. Strong's forces had retired. He was here
soon joined by Gen. Strong, and, after a short conference, the
latter devoted his attention to rallying some stragglers upon the
slopes, and to direct the troops coming up against a point from
which the enemy was keeping up a concentrated fire to prevent
reinforcements from reaching the slopes. While thus engaged, G«n.
Strong was struck by a discharge from a howitzer, severely wound-
ing him in the thigh. He was immediately borne from the field
and his wound dressed at the sanitary commission. He was subse-
quently taken to Hilton Head and to New York, where he died
from lockjaw, caused by his wound, on July 30, 1863.
Gen. Seymour was painfully wounded while hurrying up re-
inforcements, by a grape shot striking his foot. One of his aids,
Lieut S. S. Stevens, 6th Conn., was killed at the same time.
The remnant of Gen. Strong's and Col. Putnam's brigades, upon
the parapet and slopes of the fort, had dwindled down to a scattered
few, who found but slight shelter from the incessant fire directed
upon them. Originally intended as a support. Col. Putnam's bri-
gade found but few at the front to support, as most of the Ist
brigade had been killed, wounded or captured. The situation was
most critical: to retreat now would be equally fatal as to remain
before the concentrated storm of grape, canister, and the fire of over
one thousand rebel rifles from behind the traverses and bastions of
the work.
The gallant Col. Putnam was, however, imdaunted. He en-
couraged his men to hold on until reinforcements should arrive.
His last words were: "Hold on for a minute, brave men. Our re-
inforcements are coming!" As he spoke, he was struck in the fore-
head by a Minic ball, and fell dead. The loss of such a com-
mander at such a time was disastrous in the extreme. The men
were disheartened. The dangers they had encountered demoralized
them less than the loss of almost all their brave leaders. To return
the fire of the enemy, now seemed to invite the concentrated fire
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172 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. fJ^^^'
from their concealed positions where they lay watching for the
target of flashing muskets. In addition to this, the troops upon the
slopes of the work had, from the first moment of assault, suffered
severely from the fire of the men in the rear, directed upon the rebel
works. Never was the advantage of Gen. Anthony Wayne's order
to the storming party at Stony Point, to " Empty your cartridge
boxes and trust to your bayonets," more apparent than then. Had
the order been now repeated, the loss and demoralization of our
forces would have been greatly lessened and the chances of success
largely increased.
The shattered remnant of Col. Putnam's command, now impressed
with the hopelessness of longer continuance of the effort, gathered
up some of their wounded, and reluctantly retired at the moment
that Gen. Stevenson's brigade was being hastened forward, to the
support of those upon the slopes of the work, by Col. John W.
Turner, assistant adjutant general and chief of staff to Gen. Gill-
more. But the order to move forward came too late to be of avail,
save to ensure the sacrifice
of a third brigade in detail,
as nothing better could be
hoped for after the unsuc-
cessful efforts of two of the
bravest and best in the ser-
poRT WAONBB AT POINT OP ABSAi'LT. vice that had bccu 80 gal-
lantly, yet unavailingly, led
against a work so formidable and so desperately defended.
Gen. Stevenson's brigade had been held in reserve to support the
movement, if successful, or to cover the retreat if it should prove
otherwise. The latter alternative now devolved upon the brigade.
The duty of gathering up and covering the shattered columns of
the division, under the guns of the enemy and the galling fire of
musketry, shot and shell from the impregnable fortress, was a work
scarcely less hazardous than a continuance of the assault. During
the attack, the brigade had occupied a position near the outer line
of defence, awaiting Gen. Stevenson's orders, within range of the
fire of Forts Sumter and Johnson, the shells from which fell near
and exploded over the brigade but did little injury. An aid of Gen.
Seymour came to Col. Guss, with orders for the 97th P. V. to ad-
vance, stating that Strong's and Putman's forces had entered Fort
Wagner and were engaged in a hand-to-hand conflict with the
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18«8.] MORRIS ISLAND. SECOND ASSAULT ON FORT WAGNER. 173
enemy and needed immediate help to secure possession. The order
claimed to have the sanction of Gen. Stevenson, but owing to the
conflicting intelligence received from the front, and the perplexity
attendant upon the extreme darkness of the night, it was impossible
to be entirely satisfied of the reliability of a verbal order from an
aid not personally known to the oflScer receiving it. The Regiment
was immediately advanced, by Col. Guss, under a heavy fire of
musketry. After marching about two hundred yards, meeting a
large number of wounded and demoralized soldiers, straggling back,
Gen. Stevenson appeared at the head of the Regiment and then
rode rapidly toward the fort. He soon returned, ordered a " Halt,
about face," and sent the Regiment back to its former position. In
a few minutes, he ordered a detail of three companies, with a field
officer in command, to report immediately at the abattis on the beach.
The detail, consisting of Company A, Capt. Guss; Company F, Capt.
Lewis, and Company H, temporarily in command of Capt. Haw-
kins, was commanded by Lieut. Col. A. P. Duer, and immediately
reported to Gen. Stevenson, near the front, who said to Col. Duer:
"It is reported to me that our troops have effected a lodgment upon
one angle of the fort and retain possession of it. You will move
np and ascertain if this is correct, and, if true, you will open com-
munication with that force and render whatever assistance is re-
quired."
As Lieut. Col. Duer's command advanced, he encountered the
pickets of the enemy, which had been already restored to their
position outside the works, and which immediately opened a sharp
fire upon his force. He was, therefore, convinced that our troops
held no part of the works, and, accordingly, in obedience to Gen.
Stevenson's further order, proceeded to extend his line from the
beach to the swamp, pressing back the enemy's pickets to the shel-
ter of their works so as to cover the men engaged in bearing off the
wounded. While thus engaged. Col. Duer was approached by an
officer of Gen. Gillmore's staff, who inquired why the line was
not picketed Col. Duer replied that he had received no orders
to picket; that his instructions were, if he should find no force
in possession of any part of the fort, to extend his line between the
enemy and those engaged in bringing off' the wounded. He was
then ordered to advance a picket line nearer the enemy and to
remain until regularly relieved.
During the night, upon information being received by Gen. Ste-
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174 HISTORY OF THE NINETY- SEVENTH REGIMENT. l^^^J*
venson to the effect that many of our men still remained in posses-
sion of a portion of the fort, he ordered Lieut. Col. Duer to send an
officer and ten men to reconnoitre the work. This was done by
Lieut. CosgriflF, of Company F, who advanced close up to the slopes,
but was compelled to retire by the fire of the enemy. His men,
however, brought off a wounded officer of the 54th Mass., who was
carried to the field hospital, near Light House Inlet.
An additional detail of four companies, C, D, E and I, under
command of Capt. Price, of Company C, was also ordered to report,
without arms^ to Gen. Stevenson, on the beach, near Fort Wagner.
These companies were directed to gather up the wounded and carry
them back to a point where the ambulances could come to convey
them to the hospital. This duty was faithfully continued until
daylight rendered it necessary for the men to retire beyond the
range of the enemy's sharp-shooters. During the night, the enemy
threw shot and shell continually over the ground where the men
were seeking for the wounded, but no casualties occurred. The
firing, however, so seriously frightened the ambulance drivers as to
cause them to start oflf their teams at a run as soon as their load
of wounded soldiers was ready, regardless of the piercing cries of
the poor sufferers. This was summarily and effectually stopped by
sending an armed guard with each wagon, with orders to shoot the
driver if he drove out of a walk. Gen. Stevenson, upon being ap-
prised of the responsibility assumed by the officer in command, gave
his hearty approval of the order. He remained the entire night
at the front, superintending in person and co-operating with the offi-
cers and men engaged in the removal of the wounded, manifesting
an interest most commendable, being particularly anxious that every
wounded colored soldier should be brought off, saying to Capt. Price:
" You know how much harder they will fare at the hands of the
enemy than white men." The search for the wounded during the
early part of the night was pushed to the moat and slopes of the
fort by our men, who lay on the ground and crept along under cover
of the darkness and whatever irregularities of the ground might
favor approach, listening for the groans of the wounded as a guide
to find them, having to drag them along the ground to such shelter
as permitted them to be carried away by others toward the rear.
Instances of greater heroism observed in many cases on that night
could hardly be realized outside such experiences among the brave
men of the Army of the Republic. These deeds, though they
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^^W-] MORRIS ISLAND. SECOND ASSAULT ON FORT WAGNER. 175
lemain unwritten, cannot be lost, for they are engraved upon an
imperishable record where every action is noted. It was a sad and
anxious night's work, never to be forgotten by those engaged in bear-
ing off the fallen ones from that thickly strewn field. Many sacred
scenes and, touching incidents filled the heart with sympathies,
while the similarity of occasion in the midst of dead and dying
comrades at the midnight hour, seemed to recall the beautiful lines
of Rev. Charles Wolf, in the burial of Sir John Moore, causing the
Ups to move in spontanous utterance:
"Not a dmm was beard, not a funeral note,
As his corse to the rampart we harried;
Not a soldier discharged bis farewell sbot
O'er tbe grave wbere our bero we buried.
*' We buried him darkly, at dead of nigbt,
Tbe sod witb our bayonets turning;
By tbe struggling moonbeams' mistj ligbt,
And tbe lantern dimly burning.
" And we knew by tbe distant random gun,
That tbe foe was sullenly firing."
The detachment, under command of Capt. Price, was engaged in
the sacred mission of gathering up and bringing off their wounded
and dying comrades, during the entire night. At daylight, it was
ordered to rejoin the Regiment at the position occupied the previous
evening, near the palisades, where it remained, as a part of the re-
serve force, during the 19th.
By morning, the position occupied by Lieut. Col. Duer^s force was
found to be one of extreme peril and exposure. The men were
compeUed to seek shelter from the irregularities of the ground and
by scratching holes in the sand with their hands and bayonets,
having to lie close through the following day without chance of
stirring from their positions. During the morning, several wounded
soldiers, who had not been reached in the night, were seen trying
to crawl toward the line. Rebel sharp-shooters conmienced to fire
upon them and some- were bayoneted. A detachment of sharp-
shooters crawled forward and returned the fire with effect, causing
the enemy to desist from such barbarism. Gen. GiUmore having
asked for a cessation of hostilities, for the purpose of burying the
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176 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. fJulyt
dead, it was agreed to by the enemy and continued from 10 A. M.
until 4 P. M. The remainder of the wounded were then brought
in and the dead buried. At the hour named, firing again com-
menced from the iron-clad fleet, the forts, and along the entire line.
Gen. Gillmore's official reports set down the loss as follows: Brig.
Gen. George G. Strong's brigade, ten officers and twenty-two men
killed; thirty-eight officers and four hundred and thirty-six men
wounded; fifteen officers and three hundred and fourteen men
missing. Total loss, sixty-three officers and seven hundred and
seventy-two men; aggregate, eight hundred and thirty-five. Col.
Haldimand S. Putnam's brigade, fifteen officers and twenty-two
men killed; thirty-four officers and three hundred and fifty-seven
men wounded; six officers and two hundred and six men missing.
Total loss, fifty.fi ve officers and five hundred and eighty-five men ;
aggregate, six hundred and forty. Being a loss to the two brigades
of one hundred and eighteen officers and thirteen hundred and fifty-
seven men ; aggregate, fourteen hundred and seventy-five.
In addition to Gens. Strong and Seymour, the following staflF offi-
cers were killed or wounded: 1st Lieut. Townsend S. Hatfield, 48th
N. Y., acting signal officer, wounded; 2d Lieut. Stephen S. Stevens,
6th Conn., acting aid-de-camp, killed; both were officers of Gen. Sey-
mour's staflf; Maj. John H. Filler,* 55th P. V., acting aid-de-camp
*0n the day after the 97tb P. Y. landed on Morris Island, Maj. John H. Fil-
ler, of the 55th P. V., visited the officers of the Regiment, at head-quarters, then
established under a tent- fly among the sand hill p. The day was excessively hot.
The only shade to be found was the little square patch measured by the canvas
upon the burning sand. A breeze from the seaward tempered a little the other-
wise scorching heat. The major remained to dine, or rather to lunch, on coflTee,
hard-tack and bacon, and, by his inimitable humor and originality, contributed a
spicy dessert to the frugal meal, interspersing wit and mirthfulness that rendered
less dreary the deseri of the sand hills. Conversation turning upon the expected
assault in the evening, the major avowed his determination to remain and see it
out. Accordingly, when the advance was made; he accompanied the leading
brigade to the front, as an aid to Gen. Strong. Dashing gallantly into the as-
sault, he gained the crest of the work with the leading force. He was soon
favored with a nearer view of the rebel stronghold than was pleasant under the
circumstances. A sally being made by the enemy, he was captured and taken
inside, where (it is reported) his first (>alutation was: "Got anything to drink in
this hot climate, for I'm dry." Ho did not remain a prisoner very long.
Being exchanged, he returned to his command and participated in subsequent
operations with his regiment, and was afterward promoted to lieutenant colonel
and colonel of his regiment.
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^^] MOBRIS ISLAND. SIEGE OF CHARLESTON. 177
to Gen: Strong, taken prisoner; Maj. Josiah G. Plympton, 3d N.
H., acting assistant inspector general to Gen. Strong, wounded;
Adjt. Alvan H. Libbey, 3d N. H., acting assistant adjutant general,
killed, 2d Lieut. Edwin H. Hickok, 76th P. V., acting signal
officer, wounded. Of the number reported missing, most were sub-
sequently ascertained to be either killed or wounded.* The enemy
reported that they had buried six hundred and ten of our men, in-
cluding Cols. Putnam and Shaw, who were buried where they fell
upon the parapet. The enemy's loss was reported at about one
hundred and twenty, killed, wounded and captured.
At 11 P. M., on the 19th, Companies A, F and H were relieved
by Col. Joshua B. HowelPs brigade and a portion of the 13th Ind.,
during which time the enemy opened fire again from Fort Wagner,
when these companies rejoined the Regiment. It immediately after
marched to the lower end of Morris Island and occupied the ground
upon which it had bivouacked the night after landing upon the
island. Some of the men of Col. Duer's command had been upon
duty at the front for seventy-two hours. They soon threw themselves
down and found their coveted rest in unbroken sleep for several
hours. Here the camp of the Regiment was established, under
shelter tents until the company tents and baggage were received
from Seabrook Island. It was impossible to form the usual lines of
streets, owing to the irregular shape of the ground between the
high sand hills; the tents were, therefore, pitched in the most avail-
* The hospitals on Morris Island were at this time in charge of Sargeou John
J. Craven, U. S. Vols, (acting medical director in the absence of Surgeon Charles
H. Crane, U. S. A.) He was ably supported by Dr. M. M. Marsh, agent of the
Sanitary Commission, and by Miss Clara H. Barton, a most efficient co-worker in
behalf of the suffering soldiers, who remained steadfastly at the post of duty
during the entire siege. She afterward, in the spring of 1864, joined the Army
of the James. Maj. Oen. Butler having, at the instance of his chief medical
officer, Surgeon Charles McCormick, U. S. A., acknowleged her past services,
appreciating her abilities, gave her a position which greatly enhanced her useful-
ness and enabled her to contribute largely to the welfare and comfort of the army
in that year. Her presence at the base hospital of the lOth Corps at the Point
of Rocks, Ya., during the summer of 1864 was most gratefully appreciated by
til who received the benefit of her services. In March, 1865, President Lincoln
appointed her correspondent for the friends of paroled prisoners. She afterward
organized a bureau of friends of missing men of the armies of the United States,,
at Washington, which proved of inestimable service. Her devotion to her work
was unabated and unwavering.
12
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178 HISTORT OF THE NINETT-SEYENTH BEGIMENT. ^^^^^'
able manner. The men soon had their bunks arranged, and were
glad of comfortable shelter after being exposed so long.
After the second disaster at Fort Wagner, Gen. Gillmore deter-
mined to accomplish, by regular lines of approach, the downfall of
the rebel stronghold which had hitherto seemed so impregnable to •
assault. Lines of intrenchments were projected, upon which heavy
details of men set to work digging trenches and piling up walls of
sand-bags, against which banks of loose sand were placed to form
an impenetrable defensive line of approaches. The work was
chiefly done at night, it being impossible to accomplish much pro-
gress by day, owing to the incessant fire of the rebel sharp-shooters.
Night aft^r night the work was persistently continued, under con-
stant fire of shot and shell from the enemy's batteries, and from the
sharp-shooters, who neglected no opportunity to pick off or wound
any who exposed sufficient portion of their person for a target to an
unerring aim. The casualties were frequently ten or fifteen per day
in killed or wounded. The number daily detailed for defence was
one thousand, and for work upon the approaches from four to six
hundred, the latter being on duty for ten or twelve hours. During
the entire period, all fatigue and defence details were exposed to
the enemy's batteries from James Island, Forts Johnson, Gregg,
Sumter, Wagner and, later, of Fort Moultrie and another battery
on Sullivan's Island.
At intervals, during the siege, the iron-clad fleet would approach
Forts Wagner and Sumter and open flre. For hours, the air re-
sounded with the roar of artillery and the crash of iron hail fall-
ing upon the impenetrable walls of the floating iron-clad batteries.
While this continued, the men could work by day in the trenches,
as the rebels were kept in close quarters by the shot and shell.
At night, the heavy siege guns and mortars were hauled into po-
sition and mounted on the batteries as the work progressed, one
hundred men being required to haul each gun and mortar, without
its carriage (these being hauled separately), having large timber
wheels or sling carts for the purpose. It was found impossible to
manage teams of horses or mules so near the front, on account of
the noise, within hearing of the enemy. It was, therefore, neces-
sary to make details of men for the purpose.
The duty in the trenches required the troops to be arduously en-
gaged almost constantly during the siege, each regiment being
detailed every alternate twenty-four hours. But the difficulties
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1S63.] MORRIS ISLAND. SIEGE OF CHARLESTON, 179
attending the change of relief in the trenches, owing to the prox-
imity to the rebel works, whose guns shelled the approaches con-
tinually with grape and canister, at such times as it was thought
likely these changes would be made, detained the men at the
front often thirty-two or thirty-four hours, leaving but fourteen or
sixteen hours for rest in camp before being again detailed.
It was quite unusual to get back to quarters before 11 P. M.,
supper having then to be prepared and eaten before getting to
sleep, marching again at 6 P. M., the next day, to the front, to be
ready for the chances of returning safely into the trenches. This
service was very wearing upon the men. Many were taken sick
and rendered unfit for duty in consequence, but they generally
maintained a cheerful, uncomplaining and commendable readiness
to meet these requirements.
One of the chief difiiculties to be encountered was owing to the
narrowness of the neck of land between our position and Fort
Wagner whose front was more than ten times wider than the nar-
rowest portion over which the approaches must be built. It oc-
cupied the entire width of the island at the front where it stood,
and was provided with a sluice gate entrance to the moat which
retained the water admitted at the highest tide. Its garrison could
receive supplies at all times without interruption, and reinforce-
ments could be thrown into it from Charleston and from Gen. Lee's
entire army at short notice. The siege operations could be embar-
rassed, at all times, by a concentrated and cross fire, from six
separate points, and a greatly superior force could at all times be
thrown against any force that could be made available at the front,
during the entire period of Gen. Gillmore's operations. One of the
first measures of precaution against any sudden attempt of the enemy
was the erection of a heavy line of inclined palisading across the
island, about two hundred yards in advance of the line, with strong
obstructions to render the position secure. A large bombproof
magazine was constructed at a point within a short distance of the
location of the first parallel, which was completed by July 23,
within fourteen hundred yards of Fort Wagner. The second pa-
rallel was opened on the night of the 23d, with an average advance
of from six to eight hundred yards beyond the first. At this
point, every resource of engineering science was taxed to its utmost,
in perfecting works of great strength, provided with bomb and
splinter proofs as safe shelter for the men guarding the continued
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180 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. ^^^^^'
advance. This point of
operations became the
focus of a destructive,
concentrated fire. Fort
Sumter must now be re- .
duced or silenced, as its
plunging shot into the
works was continual
and most disastrous.
BOMB AND 8PLINTEK PROOF. rj.^^ eugiueers com-
menced the erection of breeching batteries, to operate against Fort
Sumter, on the night of July 25. The work was pushed forward
with the utmost diligence day and night. Neither the heat of the
tropical sun nor the shot and shell of a vigilant enemy were allowed
to interfere with this work. The labor was terribly exhausting to
the men, and the guard duty in the trenches was scarcely less oppres-
sive. These batteries occupied a position in the first and second
parallels. Those on the western side of the island were known in
all the siege operations as the Left Batteries.
The battery in the first parallel mounted two rifled two-hundred-
pounder Parrotts and two eighty-four-pounder Whitworth guns, five
eight-inch and five ten-inch siege mortars, and ten thirty-pounder*
Parrotts. These guns were all manned by a detachment of sailors
from the fleet, under Com. Foxhall A. Parker, of the U. S. Navy.
In addition to these was a regular battery manned by infantry.
The distance of these guns from Fort Sumter was four thousand
yards.
In the batteries of the second parallel, named, respectively,
Meade, Rosecrans and Brown, were mounted two two-hundred-
pounder and five one-hundred-pounder Parrotts, at a distance of
three thousand three hundred and thirty yards. The Left Batteries,
forty-two hundred and forty yards from Fort Sumter, four in num-
ber, named Hays, Reno, Stevens and Strong, mounted one three-
hundred-pounder and four twenty-pounder Parrotts. In rear of the
first parallel and near the Beacon House were the siege guns already
mentioned in the first bombardment of Fort Wagner, which were
also used against Fort Sumter.
Perhaps the mo&t noted battery erected by our forces, in the ope-
rations upon Charleston, was the Swamp Angel, a description of
which is given in a future paragraph.
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^^3 MORRIS ISLAND. SIEGE OP CHARLESTON. 181
After the completion of these
works, the engineers continued to
advance the approaches toward Fort ;
Wagner. A second and larger maga-
zine was built at the second parallel,
capable of storing an ample supply '
of powder for all the heavy guns. <
Adjoining it was a email bombproof,
in which was placed an army tele-
graph instrument for communication
with the general head-quarters. It ^^^^ "^^^^ telegbaph.
was also occupied as the head-quarters of the field officer of the
trenches, during the active operations of the siege. A watch was
kept stationed on the top of the supply magazine, to give warning
when the enemy's guns opened fire, by calling out the name of the
enemy's work from which the shell was coming: "Johnson, cover,"
"Sumter, cover," "Wagner, cover," indicating to the men at work
in the trenches from whence the danger was coming, when, for an
instant, all would lie close to the bank, which afforded the best
shelter from the splinters which soon came down in a shower over
their heads. By this means, many lives and limbs were retained
for continued service. Dodging the shells soon became an art that
lost but little time from the work.
About July 20, Lieut. Col. Duer was ordered to St. Helena Is-
land, S. C, to take charge of the convalescent camp established at
that place, where he remained in command until near the end of
September following. The command of the Regiment then de-
volved upon Maj. Penny packer, who entered upon the arduous ser-
vice of the siege with his usual energy and unsparing devotion.
On July 21, the 97th Regiment was paid by Maj. J. O. Mason,
paymaster U. S. V., for the months of May and June, 1863.
On July 22, Capt. McConnell, of Company E, with the men in
his charge, who had remained at Seabrook Island, arrived at Morris
Island with the tents and baggage of the Regiment.
At this time, Gen. Gillmore ordered a detail from each regiment of
his army to proceed to the draft rendezvous of their respective States,
to receive and conduct to the department such recruits, drafted men
and substitutes as might be required to fill their depleted ranks to
the maximum number. The roster of the 97th Regiment showed
at this time a deficiency of two hundred and ninety men.
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182 HISTORY OF THE NINETT-SETENTH REGIMENT. f^^'^'
For this service, Capts. D. W. C. Lewis, of Company F, and
Caleb Hoopes, of Company G, with five men of the Regiment, were
detailed vnth orders to proceed to the draft rendezvous, at Philadel-
phia. They left Morris Island, July 23, on the steamer Arago,
which stopped oflF the entrance of Charleston Harbor to receive the
several details which were sent out to the steamer on one of the
steamtugs.
On the morning of July 24, there was an exchange of wounded
prisoners at Charleston. The hospital steamer Cosmopolitan, in
charge of Lieut. Col. James F. Hall, 1st N. Y. Engineers, provost
marshal general of the department, having on board Surgeon John
J. Craven, Act'g Med. Director Dep't, and thirty-nine wounded
rebel prisoners, to be paroled for regular exchange, proceeded under
a flag of 'truce to Charleston. They returned with one hundred and
five wounded Union men, who were then sent to the United States
hospital, at Hilton Head, S» C. The enemy refused to deliver any
of the wounded colored soldiers. Information was obtained that
one hundred and eight wounded still remained in their possession,
unable to be moved, and that fifty-one had died since being
captured. A large number of amputations had taken place, some
of which, doubtless, might have been saved by the surgeons of our
army.
On July 26, the brigade was inspected by Capt. William Pratt,
acting assistant adjutant general, of Gen. Stevenson's brigade. He
praised the appearance of the men of the 97th P. V., and noted
the excellent condition of the guns, accoutrements, etc. During the
day, at the front, the enemy shelled the lines so continuously that
no fatigue parties could work upon the approaches.
On the 28th, the land batteries and the iron-clad fleet bombarded
the enemy's works throughout the day. The fire was returned
from Forts Sumter and Johnson, but Forts Wagner and Gregg were
kept silent by the fire.
On the 29th, the Regiment received a supply of new A tents,
which were greatly needed, the old ones having become torn and
leaky from long use.
About this time, the enemy opened a new battery on James Island,
which partially enfiladed our works, causing considerable annoyance.
In addition to the casualties reported during July, five men were
discharged, on surgeon's certificate of disability, and one, Corp.
Thomas Cummins, of Company E, died, of typhoid fever, July 29,
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1863.] MORRIS ISLAND. SIEGE OF CHARLESTON. 183
By the 1st of August, 1863, the forces on Morris Island had
been increased by the arrival of one brigade of Brig. Gen. George
H. Gordon's division of the llth Corps, and on the 14th another
brigade arrived, under the command of Brig. Gen. Alexander
Schimmelfinnig,^ followed by other troops, until the reinforcements
reached ten thousand men. Among them were the 74th P. V.,
organized by Gen. Schimmelfinnig, now commanded by Col. A. Von
Hartung; the 174th P. V., Col. John Nyce, and the 176th P. V.,
Col. Amb. A. Lechler. The two latter were militia regiments,
drafted for nine months' service. They remained on duty at Hilton
Head and Beaufort, and soon after returned to Pennsylvania and
were mustered out about the middle of August. A portion of
these troops had served in North Carolina and the remainder were
from the Army of the Potomac. The addition of this force greatly
relieved the troops, heavily overtaxed by the severity of the siege
duty.
Col. Guss was again assigned, on August 1, to the command of
the 1st brigade, 1st division, 10th Corps, relieving General Israel
Vogdes, who held the command for a short time, after Gen. Strong
was wounded, in the assault upon Fort Wagner, and was now
ordered to relieve Col. W. W. H. Davis in the command of the
troops on Folly Island. Col. Guss established his head-quarters on
the beach, about a mile nearer the front than the camp, at the sand
bluflFs, occupied by Gen. Stevenson's brigade. The 97th P. V.
was now transferred to the first brigade, to the gre'at satisfaction ot
the entire command, although the period of service in Gen. Steven-
son's brigade had been rendered most pleasant by the kindness,
courtesy and confidence of that accomplished officer. The 1st
brigade was composed of the 97th P. V., 3d and 4th N. H., and
the 9th Maine. The 3d United States colored troops. Col. Benja-
min C. Tilghman, was afterwards added to the brigade. Col. Guss
appointed upon his staff the following officers: 1st Lieut. Henry
W. Carruthers, adjt. 97th P. V., A. A. A. General; 1st Lieut.
George F. Towle, 4th N. H. acting assistant inspector general;
1st Lieut. Roger W. Woodbury, 3d N. H., aid-de-camp; 1st Lieut.
Frank J. Magee, 76th P. V., assistant quarter-master; Surgeon An-
drew J. H. Buzzell, 3d N. H., brigade surgeon. These officers, with
the exception of Lieuts. Towle and Woodbury, had served previously
upon the staff of Col. Guss. 2d Lieut. George B. Dyer, 9th Maine,
relieved Lieut. Magee in a short time, the latter being ordered to re-
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184 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. [August,
join his regiment at Hilton Head. Surgeon John R. Everhart, 97th
P. v., relieved Surgeon Buzzell in September. The latter served
subsequently as acting medical inspector of the 10th Corps, and
died at Wilmington, N. C, March 28, 1865, of typhoid fever, while
on duty attendant upon the exchange of prisoners. He was a most
efficient officer, faithful and conscientious in the discharge of his
duties, and beloved by all who had the opportunity to observe and
appreciate his valuable services, both in the camp and the field.
Lieut. James T. Skiles, Company B, was now detailed acting ad-
jutant of the Regiment, and continued to perform that duty during
the remainder of the operations on Morris Island.
On the evening of August 3, a scouting party, under the com-
mand of Capt. Lewis S. Paine, of the 100th N. Y., proceeded to
explore the position of the enemy, advancing in two small boats,
up Lighthouse Creek, Capt. Paine being in the advance boat and
1st Sergt. and acting Lieut. Henry Odiorne, of Company D, of the
97th P. v., with his brother, Corp. David Odiorne, and Privates
Thomas Elliott, Joseph L. Eyre, William H. Griffith, Thomas Kel-
ley, William McCarty, Joseph Russell and Isaac Sapp, of the same
company, with the other, the object being also to picket the creek
during the night. They had reached an old landing and were
about going ashore, Capt. Paine and his men having already left
their boat, when they were fired upon by a rebel force secreted
behind the approach to the landing. At the first discharge, Sergt.
Odiorne hastened toward the shore to assist Capt. Payne and party,
but finding they were already captured, the picket boat pulled away
from the shore again, when a volley of musketry was fired.
Privates Joseph L. Eyre and Joseph Russell, of Company D, of the
97th P. v., were instantly killed in the boat, one sitting on each
side of Sergt. Odiorne. Private Sapp was also wounded in the
knee. With great presence of mind, Sergt. Odiorne jumped firom
his boat and pushed it out into the stream, at the same time order-
ing his remaining men to pull for their lives while he regained his
position in the boat and thus escaped amid a shower of balls,
bringing off their dead and wounded comrades. Capt. Payne and
his force were all captured by the enemy. Company D was at this
time on duty with other detachments, under command of Capt.
Mendenhall, detailed as a guard to the engineer corps engaged in
locating the famous battery, in the marshes of Lighthouse Creek,
that became so widely known as the Swamp Angel, whose shell were
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^^•] MORRIS ISLAND. SIEGE OP CHARLESTON. 185
the first to penetrate and fire the city of Charleston. This force
was constantly on duty for eight days, chiefly engaged at night,
patroling the numerous channels and bayous, to prevent the enemy
from interfering with ot gaining a knowledge of the work going on
and to prevent their crossing to the left of Fort Wagner, from Fort
Johnson on James Island, the channels being bridged by plank
footways resting upon piles, affording communication under cover of
night. This duty was hazardous and exposing, as was shown by
the result of the night attack upon Capt. Paine's party, before nar-
rated. Other companies of the Regiment also furnished details for
the construction force engaged in preparing material for and in the
erection of the Swamp Angel Battery, which was commenced about
August 4 and completed by the 19th. This work was located at a
point selected in the swamp, accessible only at high water, and
situate at a distance of eighty-eight hundred yards from Charleston.
Upon sounding the marsh, a pole could be run down in the mud
sixteen feet before coming to bottom. The superintendence of this
work was assigned to a lieutenant of engineers, of whom the camp
stories reported that, upon being shown the place where the battery
was to be erected, said "The thing was impossible." The com-
manding officer. Col. Serrell, of the 1st N. Y. Engineers, replied:
"There is no such word as impossible. The battery must be built
at the point indicated." The doubting lieutenant was then told he
had permission to make requisition for anything that might be re-
quired for the work. He at once made requisition upon the de-
partment quarter-master for one hundred men eighteen feet high to
wade in mud sixteen feet deep. After making this requisition, he
applied to the surgeon of his regiment to inquire whether he could
splice the eighteen feet men if they were furnished him, for which
piece of pleasantry the incredulous lieutenant found himself in
arrest. He was, however, soon released and furnished with plans
upon which men of ordinary stature soon commenced active opera-
tions.
A huge raft of logs was constructed of the proper dimensions,
firmly lashed together, the logs in double layers crossed and inter-
locked. This was floated at high tide, upon a favorable night, to
the place selected, each comer was then made fast to a stake firmly
fixed in the mud; boats accompanied the raft, laden with thousands
of gunny bags filled with sand; these were laid over the entire
surface of the raft, the weight gradually sinking it upon the level
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186 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. [August,
mud bottom. Additional layers were added until the surface was
raised above the reach of the highest tide ; then a double layer of
heavy plank was laid down for a floor for the battery. Around the
sides, walls of sand-bags were built up of twelve to fourteen feet
in thickness and of sufficient height to aflfbrd ample protection.
By daylight the next
morning the work was
so far completed as to
be ready for the large
gun intended for it.
Rising like a huge
monster from the sur-
face of the swamp, its
frowning crest greeted
the astonished gaze of
THB SWAMP ANGBL BATTERY. tuC OCCUpaUtS 01 tlie
rebel forts under whose
guns it had silently grown up to its full clad completeness in a
single night. Three brave men volunteered to remain in it the en-
suing day, having sufficient provisions and being heavily armed
with Spencer repeating rifles, to prevent the work being captured
and occupied by the enemy. The construction party retired as
usual at daylight from the creeks in its vicinity, leaving the three
men alone upon their long and perilous vigil. The enemy soon
opened fire upon it from Forts Johnson, Sumter and Moultrie,
keeping up an incessant cross fire of several hours' duration, which,
not being returned, finally ceased. The men were unhurt and the
work received no material injury.
The next night, the Swamp Angel, a two-hundred-pounder Par-
rott gun, was successfully placed in position, and from that hour
Charleston was at the mercy of its shot and shell. In consequence,
however, of information received that the Union prisoners were
placed by the rebel authorities in the places most exposed to its
range, it was but little used during the siege and finally exploded at
the thirty-sixth discharge.
The third parallel was opened by means of the flying sap, at a
distance of four hundred and fifty yards from Fort Wagner, on the
night of August 9. A large roller made of bundles of withes con-
fined by iron bands was kept in advance of the men opening the
sap. The work was thus rapidly carried forward.
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1^] MORRIS ISLAND. SIEGE OF CHARLESTON. 187
At this time, Maj. G. Pennypacker was prostrated by illness,
being attacked with intermittent fever, which kept him from active
duty. The Regiment was now commanded by Capt. Isaiah Price,
of Company C, the senior line officer.
On the evening of August 11, the enemy opened on our lines
with grape and canister shot, with the evident intention of prevent-
ing any change of the forces in the trenches, but after a few hours
they gave it up. The men then went quietly and safely to their
places at the front. A similar fire was opened on the next evening,
with the same result.
On the 13th, 1st Lieut. F. J. Eachus, of Company C, returned
from duty in the commissary department, at Beaufort, and was
placed in command of a detail of sharp-shooters from the 97th
P. V. The selection of the best marksmen for each company com-
posed the detail. They were stationed during the day near Fort
Wagner, and remained on duty during the remainder of the siege.
This service was both arduous and dangerous, and subjected the
men to great exposure.
On the 14th, five men of the Regiment were detailed to report to
1st Lieut. John McGrath, of Company E, acting regimental quarter-
master, under whose command they proceeded to Hilton Head, to
bring forward the regimental baggage, stored at that place, under
charge of Private E. Lane Scofield, of Company K.
On the same date, while on fatigue duty at the front, the Regi-
ment was shelled by the rebels from 1 A. M. until 3 A. M., pre-
venting the men from work. At daylight, had a precarious time
in getting safely to the rear, being exposed to the rebel fire.
By August 17, all the heavy siege guns and the immense one-
hundred and two-hundred-pounder batteries having all been suc-
cessfully placed in position, it was determined to open a concen-
trated fire upon Fort Sumter that morning. The enemy had shelled
the lines during the entire night. At 1 A. M., they threw spherical
case shot from Fort Wagner, no doubt anticipating a charge. The
97th P. V. was at the front when the bombardment by the land
and naval forces commenced at 4 A. M. The men had the satis-
faction of seeing the first crash of the iron hail from the two-
hundred-pound shot and shell upon the walls that, more than two
years before, were the first to feel the dishonoring grasp of fratri-
cidal rebellion's successful assault. With what mingled emotions
of satisfaction and regret they saw the clouds of smoke, dust and
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188 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. [ August,
rubbish flying before the storm of shot and shell, hurled from the
guns of the land and naval forces, upon the devoted works. At
length, the outraged honor of the flag and the national integrity
were being vindicated upon the spot that witnessed the unnatural
crime of their desecration. Every missile from the immense guns
seemed a righteous retribution, terribly grand in its crushing effect.
Loyal hearts now beheld the wielding of the nation's power typified
as an effective force, as the crumbling walls of this boasted im-
pregnable fortress, gradually falling away, disclosed, at first, rough
pits, jagged holes and defaced comers, and ere long the well-
defined arches of the casemates, as the outer wall was penetrated.
The firing was thereafter continued almost incessantly during each
day. At night, the enemy filled in the breaches with sand-bags.
Return firing was kept up from all the adjacent rebel works, and
from Fort Sumter also. The casualties were, however, very slight,
as the men were ordered to keep in the shelter of the bombproofs
and trenches.
During the afternoon of the 17th, a shell from Fort Sumter struck
at the picket head-quarters, in the advance trenches, a splinter from
which slightly wounded, in the head, Col. Joshua B. Howell, of the
85th P. v., in command of the forces at the front. Two of his
aids were also wounded and the telegraph instrument broken. The
guard at head-quarters were from the 97th P. V., but none were
injured.
On the third day after the commencement of the bombardment,
it was observed, by the aid of a field glass, from the top of a high
sand hill, that upon the southern face of Fort ^xxmtex five casemates
were uncovered. The southeast face was also riddled with pits and
holes, but from the angle of observation the casemates could not be
distinguished. Several times the fiagstaff had been shot away.
At length, a short pole was put up in one comer and the flag nailed
to it. After the close of each day's firing, the mortar batteries
threw shell occasionally, to keep working parties from repairing the
breaches.
The Swamp Angel Battery was ready to open fire upon Charles-
ton. Gen. Gillmore determined to summon Gen. Beauregard to
abandon Morris Island and Fort Sumter before commencing the
bombardment of the city. At noon, on Sunday, August 22, Lieut.
Col. James F. Hall, provost marshal general, proceeded toward the
enemy's lines, with a flag of truce, to deliver Gen. Gillmore's mm-
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1^] MORRIS ISLAND. SIEGE OP CHARLESTON. 189
raons. lie passed up the beach to a point near the fort, where he
was met by a lieutenant of the enemy, who received the communi-
cation. During the conference, which lasted only a short time, the
men on both sides came out into view of each other upon the ex-
posed sides of the respective lines, the men appearing like swarms of
bees on the walls of Fort Wagner. The 97th P. V. wafe at this
time at the front upon duty. The firing was immediately resumed
after the return of the flag of truce.
In the evening, a steamer appeared, coming out of Charleston
Harbor with a flag of truce, and, upon continuing out beyond the
lines, blank shot were fired across her bow to bring her to, but
without effect. A solid shot then stopped her further progress.
The Ironsides and Monitor advanced from the fleet and a conference
had, but nothing definite was ascertained, beyond the fact of the
refusal to comply with Gen. Gillmore's demand. It was a cause of
great indignation that the steamer should be allowed to get so far
out, and to remain in a position from which every part of the land
operations and the extent and position of the force could be ob-
served.
Gen. Gillmore waited twenty-six hours in order to give Beaure-
gard opportunity to remove non-combatants from the city if such
was his intention. He then gave directions for opening fire with
the Swamp Angel, which threw its shell into the heart of the city,
causing great consternation to its citizens and indignation on the
part "of Gen. Beauregard, who complained that no reasonable notice
had been given of intention to open fire upon an inhabited city,
and claimed that he was absent from the front when Gen. Gillmore's
message was received. G^n. Gillmore maintained that due notice
had been given and ample time afforded, and insisted that nothing
had been done contrary to the laws and customs of war.
A Charleston paper thus describes the effect of the shell: "Be-
tween one and two o'clock, on Tuesday morning, the enemy com-
menced firing on the city, arousing our people from their slumbers.
Twelve eight-inch shell fell into the city, thirteen in all having
been fired. Fortunately, no persons were injured. Several shell
flew in the direction of St. Michael's steeple, and fell either in the
vacant lots in the burnt district, on King Street, or more generally
struck in the centre of the streets, as exhibited at the comer of
Queen and Rutledge Streets, where an eight-inch shell tore up the
plank road and dug a large hole in the ground. Another shot en-
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190 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. [August,
tered a warehouse, at the comer of Hayne and Church Streets,
entering the roof and exploded in the ^pper story, making a large
opening in the hack wall of the medical purveyor's storehouse, next
door, and scattering things in great confusion. Some loose straw
or packing was set on fire, which caused the alarm bells to ring and
brought out the firemen. (We could distinctly hear these bells on
Morris Island.) Four shell fell in this locality. One large piece
was picked up and exhibited at the guardhouse, where it was the
subject of much curiosity.''
At 10 P. M., on the 17th, the enemy sallied out from Fort
Wagner and charged upon the sappers and miners at work in their
front. They^ however, only succeeded in driving the pickets a few
yards and did not interrupt the work, as the reserve forces soon
after reoccupied the ground. About this time, the firing was very
severe and many casualties occurred.
The work upon the approaches had, in the meantime, progressed
steadily. A heavy northeast storm, on the 18th and 19th, with an
unusually high tide, filled the trenches and washed down the third
parallel. This was soon restored and a fourth parallel opened, on
the night of the 21st, three hundred yards from the fort. The
work had now to be done entirely at night, owing to the vigi-
lance of the sharp-shooters in the spurs and rifle pits outside the
fort, who embraced every opportunity to pick off the men.
On the night of the 21st, three men of the 97th P. V. were
slightly wounded, by spent grape shot while on duty in ' the
trenches; Privates Francis Hoffman, Company C, in the foot;
Harmon B. Cloud, Company D, and Thomas Evans Brown, Com-
pany F, both in the shoulder. During the week, the Regiment lost
nine men killed and twenty-five wounded. Some others, slightly
injured, were not reported.
Corp. Wilbur Flannery, of Company D, who had been detailed
as clerk at post head-quarters, at Hilton Head, since March 15,
1863, now returned to the Regiment for duty. He was detailed at
head-quarters of Col. Guss' brigade upon his return to camp.
On the night of the 24th, while the 97th P. V. was in the trenches
at the front, supporting the batteries on the left, the pickets had a
sharp skirmish with those of the enemy, in which the latter lost a
number of men. None of our men were seriously wounded. The
enemy seemed impressed, by the severity of the skirmish movements
of the 97th P. V., that an assault was contemplated upon the fort"
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1863.] MORRIS ISLAND. SIEGE OP CHARLESTON. 191
The batteries on James Island opened one of their hottest fires upon
the flank, occasioning some casualties to our men. The firing, how-
ever, gradually ceased. Private Riley Patterson, of Company D,
received a concussion, from a cannon ball striking his musket in his
hands, from which he died soon after.
The night proved one of the stormiest ever experienced. The
rain poured down in torrents. The patience and endurance of the
men was tried to the utmost, but no complaint was made by any.
About one hundred yards in front of the fourth parallel a sand
ridge crossed the island, behind which the enemy's sharp-shooters
Also found safe shelter, and prevented further extension of the sap
by the engineers and miners. To secure and hold the ridge became
the next step. An assault was determined upon, for the night of
Ihe 26th, when the 24th Mass., under Col. Francis A. Osbom,
made a successful charge upon the position, with the bayonet,
killing and wounding about a dozen of the enemy and capturing
the entire force, numbering two lieutenants and seventy-one men, all
of the 61st N. C The movement was supported by the 97th P.
v., which moved up and occupied the line from which the 24th
Mass. advanced. At the first alarm, the enemy's guns opened a
brisk fire, which killed 1st Lieut. James A. Perkins, of the 24th
Mass., and two men of Company I, and wounded eight others of
that regiment. Shovels were placed in the hands of the prisoners,
who were compelled to dig to protect themselves from the fire ol'
their own men. Upon gaining this important point, work was at
once commenced upon the fifth parallel within two hundred yards
of Fort Wagner, under direction of Capt. Joseph Walker, of the
Ist N. Y. Engineers, who, as soon as the work upon the fifth
parallel was feirly under way, started a flying sap toward Fort
Wagner, and advanced it nearly seventy-five yards before daylight,
under a hot fire of musketry and artillery. During the progress of
this work, the sappers found several torpedoes which the enemy
had planted in front of Fort Wagner. One of them becoming de-
tached, fell into the sap, and exploded within a few feet of Capt.
Walker, burying him in the sand to the waist. He was stunned
by the concussion for a few minutes, but was not otherwise injured.
Ten of these infernal machines were discovered. One or two ex-
ploded without doing any injury. They were in shape double
cones, joined at the base, formed of sheet iron and containing fortv
or fifty pounds of powder, designed to explode by pressure upon a
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192 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. [August,
plunger with percussion cap, so adjusted as to be spning by a step
upon a small board or other hard substance, at the surface of the
ground, in contact with the plunger. Mortars from the rear bat-
teries were now moved forward to the fifth parallel and placed in
position. Beyond this point, the approaches were simply zigzag,
making very sharp angles, the ground being insufficient for opening
other parallels. The island, at this point, being only twenty-five
yards wide, at high water mark, and only two feet above it, the
high tides swept across in rough weather to the marsh beyond.
From the time that the large two-hundred-pounder siege guns had
been placed in position, the firing upon Fort Sumter had been
constantly maintained from sunrise until sunset each day, while the
work upon the approaches to Fort Wagner also progressed steadily.
The effect of the heavy shot and shell upon the walls of Fort Sum-
ter, as already stated, began to be apparent after the first few days ;
gradually the arches of the casemates became visible as the outer
wall crumbled away before the accurate range of the heavy guns.
The breaches were, however, filled at night with sand-bags by the
enemy.
The effect of the firing was watched with great interest by the
officers and men upon guard duty in the trenches on Morris Island.
By the aid of field glasses, the shot could be followed from the gun
on its way until it was lost in the cloud of dust caused by its crash-
ing Eigainst the sides of the fort. Several of the heavy siege guns
burst with terrible effect during the siege. Many were killed and
wounded and many narrow escapes occurred. Upon one occasion
the 97th P. V. occupied the line of keeps, in rear of the two hun-
dred-pounder batteries, ready for defence of the guns and the advance
working parties against assault from the fort. The keeps, being
arranged in successive parallels, within a few yards of each other,
afforded shelter for two companies each. About noon, the gun on
the left flank of the battery exploded, killing one and wounding
several of the men who were working it. The immense breech of
the gun was hurled backward, just grazing over the crests of the
keeps, crushing in the fourth and falling close to the fifth keep.
Capt. Price, commanding Begiment, had left the fourth keep a few
minutes before it was crushed in at the spot occupied as the regi-
mental head-quarters. It so happened that the men were a few feet
apart, but did not entirely escape the crash, which destroyed several
muskets. A number of men were buried with debris of the keep.
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^^'] MORRIS ISLAND. SIEGE OF CHARLESTON, 193
They soon scrambled out, happy to get off so well. Capt. Price had
gone to the head-quarters of the field officer of the trenches, Col.
Louis Bell, and was standing with that officer upon the lookout,
within a few yards of the battery, observing the effect of the firing.
Both were struck by the grains of unexploded powder thrown off
ftom the gun by the explosive force, causing a severely stinging sensa-
tion. They hastened to the spot to ascertain the injury to the men,
and to render assistance to the wounded. The gun carriage and for-
ward part of the gun remained in position ; the huge breech had
FORT SUMTER AFTER TUB BOMBARDMENT.
taken, a backward career, as described, while around the gun car-
riage lay three wounded men, who were receiving the prompt atten-
tion of their comrades who escaped unhurt.
Upon another occasion, the Regiment being on duty at the front,
near the guns 6f the third parallel battery, an officer and several
of the men had taken position on the right flank of the guns to
watch the effect of the firing. Being called to supper, the summons
was immediately obeyed. Within ten minutes, a fearful explosion
was heard and clouds of dense smoke told of another gim giving
way under the strain of incessant firing. The officer returned to
the spot he had just left to find the whole traverse of the work,
opon which he and his men were lying a few minutes before, cut
away by the immense fragment of the gun that had been thrown
off and was lying just beyond deeply buried in the sand. Two
men were lying beside the gun carriage fearfully mangled; one was
dead and the other could not live bevond a few hours. Poor
13
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194 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. [Angii«t,
fellows ! only a few moments before, their voices had answered to
the call of duty as they passed the charge into the deep-mouthed
guns. Both were silent now forever.
These incidents were of frequent occurrence, yet the men never
flinched from duty or failed to stand by their guns, regardless of
all consequence or danger.
Upon one occasion several solid shot passed through the walls of
the parallels. One of these struck the bombproof in which the men
of Company A were sheltered. The rifles of Sergt. William L. Morris
and Private B. Frank King were struck by a splinter and the stocks
shattered. The waist-belt plate was torn from Sergt. Jervis J. Ru-
dolph's body without injuring him. Upon another occasion, four
solid shot passed through a sand-wall shelter, entering close to men
of Companies A, C, D and F, without doing any injury. About
the same time, a shell cut its way through at a point occupied by
Company D. Capt. Price, in command
of the Regiment, was sitting against the
bank, about four feet from one of the
men. The shell passed between them,
burying both and several others under
the sand-bags, and then dropped about
A RE8PECTPUL SHELL. ^^^"^^ ^^^^ ^^ ^^^ ^^^^ ^^^ WaS rOSpOCt-
ful enough not to explode or those near
it would have fared much worse, no doubt.
One night, after the usual force had been posted, an additional
detail reported to Col. Guss, commanding brigade, for assignment
to duty. The line was to be advanced. His staff officers not having
returned from posting other details. Col. Guss went to the front
with this himself The night was very dark. The force had not
advanced very far before the enemy's pickets opened on them,
killing and wounding several of the men before they could find
cover. One was killed behind the colonel and others were wounded
on each side of him. He had a very narrow escape.
On August 25, the 85th P. V. relieved the 97th P. V. at the front.
During the next day, the enemy fired less than usual, but toward
evening a most extraordinary result was occasioned by one of their
mortar shells, fired from James Island, which fell and exploded in
one of the parallels where nine soldiers of the 85th P. V. had col-
lected and were sitting in a close group. Seven were killed in-
stantly; the two others so badly wounded that they died in a short
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IWS.] MORRIS ISLAND. SIEGE OP CHARLESTON. 195
time. Parts of their bodies, clothing, equipments and broken guns
were scattered in all directions. Another account of this affair
stated that the shell struck the head from a man lying asleep in
the trench, entered the ground without exploding, and that the
others ran up to their comrade, thinking he had been killed by
a sdiid shot ; almost immediately the shell exploded with the above
result.
On August 31, Lieut. Col. Henry A. Purviance, 85th P. V., was
killed in the trenches, before Fort Wagner, by the premature ex-
plosion of a shell fired from one of our own batteries. This loss
was greatly deplored, as he was a most excellent officer and greatly
beloved by all who kne^ him. The 97th P. V. was at the front in
the trenches at the time, supporting the battery. The lines were so
near to each other that hand grenades were thrown by the enemy
into the trenches to drive us from them. Many were killed and
wounded from time to time, but each man remained at his post of
duty unflinchingly.
WhUe the Regiment was at Morris Island, the Central Aid So-
ciety, of West Chester, contributed largely to the needs of the nu-
merous sick, for which it received the thanks of all, coming at a time
when especially needed. The sick list was largely on the increase,
owing to the excessive heat and the arduous nature of the almost
constant service in the trenches. The best sanitary observances to
promote the h«»alth of the men, thorough discipline, cleanliness, etc.,
were strictly enforced. Yet only those who have realized what it is
to be kept closely confined, day and night, in a narrow, wet ditch,
with the mercury ranging from one hundred to one hundred and
twenty-five degrees, constantly subject to heavy fire from the enemy,
while toiling with shovels for hours together, can fully appreciate
the reason why men could not remain strong and toell and always
fii/or duty.
About the end of August, Lieut. Col. Augustus C. Hamlin, U. S.
A, medical inspector of the department, made a tour of the camps
upon Morris Island, making a careful inspection. His report stated
that " Unless Fort Wagner should soon fall, the troops would not
be in a condition to longer prosecute the siege, and that a third as-
sault would be more economical of life than the continuance of ope-
rations for any length of time with present losses."
During the siege on Morris Island, a general court-martial was
convened by Special Order No. 15, from Gen. Terry's head-quarters.
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196 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. [August,
for the trial of such urgent cases as might be brought before it. Of
this court, Brig. Gen. T. G. Stevenson was President.
Capt. I. Price, of the 97th P. V., was detailed as a member.
The officers detailed were notified that they were excused from
attendance at the court, when their regiments should be on duty at
the front. The court continued its sessions each day with such
officers as were not on duty at the trenches.
During August, three men of the regiment were discharged on
surgeon's certificate of disability, four men died of disease, and two
were killed. The weather was excessively hot in the daytime,
while at night a cool breeze generally set in from the sea. A large
number of men were sick in the different commands.
Of the discharged men, Privates William S. Renshaw, of Com-
pany B, and Edward R. Showalter, of Company C, being excessively
prostrated, by chronic diarrhoea, and helpless, two men of the Regi-
ment were detailed to accompany them to the transports, and, being
furnished with passes for the purpose, were directed to remain with
them as long as possible, in order to see them safely reshipped and
started north. The commander of the Regiment also personjiUy
assisted in getting them started in the ambulances, to see that they
had every advantage of favorable influences and to encourage them
to keep up their spirits with the hope of a speedy return to home
and friends. But, alas! these influences were destined to follow
them but a little way. The men appointed to accompany them
were not allowed to remain upon the hospital boat, and were rudely
thrust from it while endeavoring to secure the comfort of their
comrades. These had to take their chances with the hundreds
crowded upon the steamer. There being an entirely inadequate
number of attendants, those most debilitated, of course, suffered
most. Of their sufferings and privations there has come no voice
to tell. They were never heard of alive again nor has there a trace
of them or their effects, papers, etc., been recovered. They rest in
the silence of unknown graves and their mourning friends are de-
nied the sad consolation of knowing the places of their burial. It
was reported that they both died at Beaufort, and were there buried,
but no authenticated confirmation of the report could be obtained.
Every effort has been made, both by their families and by the offi-
cers of the Regiment, to obtain some accurate information con-
cerning them, but without success. An indefinite report, by a
member of the Regiment, to the effect that Showalter's grave was
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1868.] MORRIS ISLAND. SIEGE OF CHARLESTON. 197
aeen at Beaufort, S. C, with the date of death, September 9, 1863,
is the only information that gives any clue to the sad certainty that
they died without a friend near to minister to their comfort, or to
receive and convey the last message of love to their dear ones.
Nor is the fear that they were robbed of their valuables and papers
altogether unfounded, when it is knovra that nothing was ever
forwarded to their Regiment or friends, the address of both of which
were obtainable from the discharge and other papers upon their
persons.
The Regiment being at the front, on duty in the trenches, on
September 1, Privates Joseph Ray and Thomas Mcintosh, of Com-
pany G, were wounded slightly, both in the head; the latter in
the forehead.
On September 2, the 97th P. V. moved its camp to join the other
regiments of CoL Guss' brigade, near the signal station. On the
evening of the 2d, the Regiment went to the front and occupied the
fourth parallel. Companies A and F being advanced to the fifth
parallel, the extreme front. The rebels threw grape and canister
from Fort Wagner, and shell from the James Island batteries, and
co&om mortar shells from the lines near Fort Wagner, the near ap-
proach of the last sap lines causing them to feel that their works
were in imminent danger.
Private Greorge W. Cook, of Company F, was killed early on the
morning of the 3d, by a shell from Fort Wagner. Several others
were slightly wounded, and Private Harman B. Cloud, of Company
D, in the shoulder, severely. On the night of the 5th, the Regi-
ment was again on duty in the fifth parallel, returning in the morn-
ing to the shelter of the bombproofs, near the two-hundred-pounder
batteries. The approaches had by this time reached so near Fort
Wagner that the sand of the last embankment, for the seventh
parallel, as the men threw it up, slid into the moat that bordered
the fort
During this tour of duty, on the 5th, Corp. John O'Brien, of
Company E, received a shell wound in left hip, and Private Patrick
Grant, of Company E, was also slightly wounded in the leg.
On the evening of September 6, the brigade was inspected by
Ciqpt. Richard H. Jackson, 1st U. S. Art'y, Insp. Gen. of Dep't,
and reviewed on the beach by Col. Guss and stafi!. The 97th P. V.
occupied the right of the line.
lieat. Lemaistre, of Company H, who had received a sick leave
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198 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. [September,
of absence, about the middle of July, rejoined the Regiment on the
6th, fully restored to health and resumed command of his company.
The land and naval batteries had kept up a constant fire upon
Fort Wagner, during September 5 and 6. The heavy siege guns
on Morris Island also directed a constant fire upon the walls of Fort
Sumter each day since they were mounted, the heavy masses of
metal thrown against it by the siege guns and the fleet, operating
steadily and surely to the ultimate destruction of the solid masonry.
The enemy, however, continued to build up the breaches during
the night with sand-bags. Having completed his approaches to
Fort Wagner, Gen. GiUmore, on the evening of September 6, as-
sembled, at Gen. Terry's head-quarters, the brigade and regimental
commanders, in order to give personal instructions to each officer,
explain the position his command would occupy in the assault, to
be made the next morning, and the duty expected of each:
I. The troops were to march to the trenches at 1 A. M. and to
occupy the immediate front, closing well up in the trenches, so as
to have the whole force as near as possible to the fort.
II. Gen. Stevenson's brigade was to be ready to advance by the
beach, to the right, at the signal, having axemen prepared to cut
away the palisades, then to gain the rear of the fort and, from the
crest of that side, aid in keeping the rebels in their bombproof
shelter, to which the naval and land batteries, by a continued fire
up to the moment of the assault, should drive them.
III. To Col. Guss' brigade, the 1st, was assigned the assault
upon the main front of Fort Wagner. The 97th P. V. to lead the
advance, to gain the crest of the fort, over the bombproof, and from
that position to open fire upon the entrances to the bombproof
shelter to keep the enemy from getting out.
IV. Col. W. W. H. Davis' brigade was to advance upon the left,
to turn the flank of the works on the side toward James Island.
V. The fire of the gunboats and batteries was to open at daylight
and continue without cessation until 9 A. M., when it was to cease
the instant a red signal flag should be run up on the earthworks at
the front, an instantaneous advance of the entire force to be made,
in accordance with these orders, so as to secure a footing upon the
crest of the fort before any large number of the enemy could get
out from the shelter.
At the hour appointed, the troops had marched to the front and
were quietly closing up in the trenches. The newly risen moon
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1W8.1 MORRIS ISLAND. SIEGE OP CHARLESTON. 199
cast just enough light to
make the scene impressive
as the silently moving
masses of troops filed into
their places. A report was
soon passed from the right
tnat the rebels had evac* fort waonbb, sea front,
uated the fort Two men
now volunteered to reconnoitre. They crossed the moat in safety,
mounted the crest and found the place deserted. Gen. Terry then
ordered an immediate advance upon Fort Gregg, in the order pre-
viously indicated for Fort Wagner. The Regiment marched in
column hy division: Gen. Stevenson's brigade on the right. Col.
Guss' in the centre and Col. Davis' on the left, with a line of
skirmishers in the advance. The distance to Fort Gregg, three-
quarters of a mile, was soon passed, each moment expecting to meet
the crash of iron hail from the enemy, behind the lines of his last
defence on the island, but the advance was unchecked. The
skirmishers scaled the earthworks and the leading regiments planted
their colors on the walls of Fort Gregg. A few straggling prisoners
were captured and a boat with fifty or sixty rebels was intercepted
by a force sent through Lighthouse Creek to be in readiness for any
attempt to escape after the assault. A few horses of little value
had also been left behind.
Before daylight, the troops were ordered to retire to the camp,
leaving a sufficient force to garrison Forts Wagner and Gregg. The
engineers set immediately to work to reverse the fronts of those
works, fatigue parties being detailed to complete the work without
delay.
The condition of the bombproofs, in and around the forts, were
wretchedly filthy and noisome in the extreme. Unburied and half-
buried soldiers were lying in, and in rear of Fort Wagner, it being
evideat that the fire of the bombardment had been effective also in
preventing the men leaving their shelter, for any purpose, while it
lasted. The accumulation of filth rendering the place most offen-
rive, the shelters had to undergo a thorough cleansing before the
men would remain in them, preferring to risk the shot and shell
of the enemy rather than endure their filth.
There were quite a number of Belgian rifles left in Fort Wagner.
One large siege gun was dismounted; several smaller ones, a few
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200 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. rScptcmber,
howitzers and cohom mortars were uninjured, No ammunition,
and but a small amount of stores of any kind were found.
The ground, in front of the approaches to the works, was thickly
planted with torpedoes, from which several casualties occurred before
the men could be prevented from passing over them. A guard
was set to keep the men from that part of the ground, and de-
tails set to work to take them up. It was found that the outer
edge of the moat, at Fort Wagner, was hedged by a row of
lances and spears, with long hickory handles, set firmly in the bank
close together, forming ckevauTxie-frise of hooks and blades of
steel. The material, light and strong, in the darkness was hardly
perceptible, but impossible to pass without being impaled upon the
points, if the men had jumped down the sides of the moat, the
bottom of which was also covered with planks, into which long
sharp spikes had been driven, leaving the points standing up two or
three inches, to pierce the feet of the men attempting to cross the.
ditch. These were the most devilish contrivances ever set around
a fort as a military defence. •
The rebels opened fire upon Forts Wagner and Gregg as soon as it
was light enough for them to see that our troops were in possession,
and maintained the fire during the day from Forts Johnson, Sumter
and Moultrie.
On the evening of September 10, the 97th P. V. was detailed to
occupy the lines at Forts Wagner and Gregg, Capt. I. Price being
designated as field officer of the trenches, having been placed on
the roster of officers in command of regiments, from which these
details were made, in consequence of the limited number of general
officers present, requiring the officers in actual command of regi-
ments to perform the duties of a brigade commander. The follow-
ing communication, from the acting assistant adjutant general
making the detail, may serve to show the exigencies of the service
at that time:
Head-Quarters, 1st Brigade, Morris Island, Sept. 10, 1863.
Captain:
Pursuant to instructions from post head-quarters, I have the
honor to announce you as Field Officer of the Trenches for to-night.
Your details come from the 97th P. V., 9th Maine, 3d N. H. and
4th N. H., in all eight hundred men. You are compelled to go on,
for the reason that there is no field officer for duty in this brigade,
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1^] MORRIS ISLAND. SIEGE OF CHARLESTON. 201
9
except Maj. Pennypacker, who is certainly not fit (on account of
illness). I know you have been worked hard, but you are a staunch
old "TTar J3br««," and ^^ Everybody knows if
You can have my horse, provided you donH permit the rebels to
kill him.
Very hastily, your obedient servant,
H. W. Carruthers, a. A. A. General.
While posting the forces, at Fort Wagner, at dusk, a boat was
observed in the channel, near the western end of the fort. Capt.
Price directed Sergt. Beaver, of his company, whom he had just
placed in charge of the guard stationed there, to hail the boat and
ascertain its purpose. Some one in it answered, giving the counter-'
sign in a loud call that might be heard a considerable distance on
the side occupied by the enemy. The boat was peremptorily ordered
ashore. Capt. Price having to continue with the forces being posted
along the line, directed the sergeant to enforce the order, if neces-
sary, by firing across the bow of the boat if there was any attempt
to disregard the order; to fire into it if it should attempt to
escape; to arrest the person giving the countersign improperly,
and to hold him until his return, permitting the boat to pro-
ceed in charge of the remaining persons with it, if their purpose
should be found to be duly authorized. Before proceeding further,
Capt. Price availed himself of the opportunity to telegraph to Gren.
Terry, from Fort Wagner, stating what had occurred, supposing it
quite possible that the person whose arrest he had ordered might
outrank him and prove a formidable prisoner on his hands. Upon
returning to Fort Wagner, two hours later, he was somewhat re-
lieved and gratified in finding the following telegram from Gen.
Terry:
Head-Quarters, Sept. 10, 1863.
Capt. Price:
Your prompt and decided action has my full approbation. You
will keep the officer mentioned under arrest until morning, and then
send him here.
By signal telegraph, Gen. Terry.
The prisoner under guard was ascertained to be a sergeant of
the 10th Conn , in charge of a picket boat, who had, without re-
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202 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. [September,
flection, improperly used the countersign, as the answer, when
hailed, instead of more quietly giving his name, rank and object,
or, as is usual, coming ashore at the challenge of the guard. He
was considerably alarmed at finding himself in custody, and was
painfully conscious of the error he had thoughtlessly made, and
anxious as to the consequences. Feeling sorry that an apparently
good soldier should be dealt with summarily for his thoughtless
offence, Capt. Price, when sending him to Gen. Terry's head-
quarters, sent a note to that officer, giving a more full explanation
of the circumstances, as favorably stated as possible, and asking
that he be dealt with as leniently as the case would permit. Also,
when reporting to Gen. Terry, the next day, when being relieved
from duty, he again made the same request. The sergeant, after an
admonition to be more careful in the future, was, in a short time,
released from custody, and returned to duty more fully impressed
with the gravity of his incautiousness than he would have been by
any more harsh or severe punishment.
Companies A, F, D, I, H and G, of the 97th P. V., occupied
Fort Gregg, under command of Capt. F, M. Guss. Companies B,
C, E and K held Fort Wagner and the line of pickets between
the forts, under command of Capt. McConnell, of Company E.
The rebels shelled the position during the evening most vigor-
ously. Soon after the guards were posted in Fort Wagner, Private
David H. Gunkle, of Company C, was mortally wounded by a shell
from Fort Johnson, a fragment crushing the left shoulder and enter-
ing the left groin, fracturing the thigh, being in a sitting posture
when struck. He died soon after reaching the hospital, at about
12 o'clock, midnight. Private Jacob B. Talbot, of Company A,
was also wounded, on the same evening, at Fort Gregg, by a frag-
ment of a shell, in the fleshy part of the left hip. He was sent to
the regimental hospital. He recovered and returned to his com-
pany in about two months. The Regiment was relieved from duty
at the front at 7.30 P. M., on the 11th, and returned to camp for
a short period of rest.
On Septenaber 12, the Regiment was inspected, on the beach, by
Capt. George F. Towle, 4th N. H. Vols., brigade inspector, on the
staff of Col. Guss.
On the same date, orders were issued, from department head-
quarters, for two per cent, of the troops to have furloughs granted
for thirty days, the men selected to be those recommended on ac-
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l^J MORRIS ISLAND. SIEGE OF CHARLESTON. 203
count of distinguished and meritorious services during the siege and
who had been present in action with their commands. In many
instances, it was a difficult matter to determine the most deserving
where all had served so faithfully. The selections, however, gene-
rally met the approval of the enlisted men of the Regiment. It is
regretted that no list of the names of the men who received these
furioughs has been preserved.
Sergt. Richard B. Moore, of Company C, was at this time de-
tailed to act as commissary sergeant of the Regiment during the
absence of Com. Sergt. Thomas McKay, who had received a fur-
lough for thirty days.
During the remainder of September, the Regiment was continu-
ally upon duty at the front, under fire, either upon picket or fatigue
work upon the new batteries. The weather was mostly quite
stormy and disagreeable, on account of the cold eastern wind. The
equinoctial gales prostrated the tents, rendering the camp dilapi-
dated and comfortless; the efforts of the men to restore them to
order were often frustrated by the loose sand affording insufficient
hold for the tent pins with such a gale tugging at the cords. The
sand was drifted about like ridges of snow.
Brig. Gen. T. G. Stevenson, in whose brigade the 97th P. V.
served during a portion of this campaign, being prostrated by chills
and fever, about September 14, received a leave of absence for a
short time. He subsequently returned to the department and con-
tinued upon duty until the beginning of 1864, when he was ordered
to the Army of the Potomac and assigned to the command of a di-
vision in Gen. Burnside's corps, with which he served with distin-
guished gallantry in several important actions and was killed, in
action, at Spottsylvania Court House, Va., on May 10, 1864. Gen.
Stevenson was the first colonel of the 24th Mass., having recruited
and organized that regiment in September, 1861, and was pro-
moted to brigadier general, U. S. Vols, March 14, 1863. He was
a man of great earnestness of character and action, of fine culture
and generous nature, an accomplished officer, devoted to the service
of his country, which, by his death, lost one of its most efficient de-
fenders.
Soon aft;er the occupation of Forts Wagner and Gregg, Gen.
Gillmore issued the following complimentary order to his troops en-
gaged in the arduous duties that secured this unparalleled advance
in siege operations :
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204 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. [Beptember,
Department op the South, Hbad-quarters in the Field,
Morris Island, S. C, September 15, 1863.
General Orders :
It is with DO ordinary feeling of gratification and pride that the Brigadier
(General Commanding is enabled to congratulate this Army upon the signal
success which has crowned the enterprise in which it has been engaged. Fort
Sumter is destroyed. The scene where our country's flag suffered its first dis-
honor you have made the theatre of one of its proudest triumphs.
The fort has been in the possession of the enemy for more than two years,
has been his pride and boast, has been strengthened by every appliance known
to military science^ and has defied the assaults of the most powerful and gallant
fleet the world ever saw. But it has yielded to your courage and patient labor.
Its walls are now crumbled to ruins, its formidable batteries are silenced, and,
though a hostile .flag still floats over it, the fort is a harmless and helpless
wreck.*
Forts Wagner and Gregg — works rendered memorable by their protracted
resistance and the sacrifice of life they have cost — have also been wrested from
the enemy by your persevering courage and skill, and the graves of your fallen
comrades rescued from desecration and contun^ely.
Yon now hold in undisputed possession the whole of Morris Island, and the
city and harbor of Charleston lie at the mercy of your artillery from the very
spot where the first shot was fired at your country's flag, and the rebellion itself
was inaugurated.
To you — the officers and soldiers of this command — and to the gallant Navy
which has co-operated with you, are due the thanks of your Commander and
your Country. You were called upon to encounter untold privations and
dangers; to undergo unremitting and exhausting labors;. to sustain severe and
disheartening reverses. How nobly your patriotism and ^eal have responded to
the call the results of the campaign will show, and your commanding general
gratefully bears witness. Q. A. Gillmore,
Official: Brig. Gen. Commanding.
Ed. W. Smith, Asst. Adjt. Gen.
On the 17th, the Regiment reoccupied Forts Wagner and Gregg
and the adjacent shore lines of picket, and were detailed again for
the same service on the 19th. The enemy kept up a steady fire
upon Fort Wagner, during each tour of duty.
* Fort Sumter was abandoned by the enemy on the night of February 17,
1865, and occupied by the Union forces on February 18. The national flag was
again unfurled from its flagstaff at 9 A. M., on that day, by Maj. I. A. Hennes-
^Jt hy order of the commandant of Morris Island, and, on April 14, 1865, the
old flag, which Maj. Anderson had borne away when he surrendered the fort to
the enemy, was again flung to the breeze by the gallant Gen. Anderson, in the
presence of a large number of official personages, army officers and citizens.
The view of the interior of the fort, given on the opposite page, indicates its ap-
pearance at the restoration of the flag by Maj. Gen. Anderson, in 1865.
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IMS] MORRIS ISLAND. SIEGE OP CHARLESTOK. 205
About September 23, Maj. Pennypacker, having for several weeks
been entirely unfit for duty, on account of illness, received a leave
of absence for twenty days, it being his first absence from the Regi-
ment since entering the service. Lieut. S. V. Black, of Company
K, also received a leave of absence, on account of sickness, and ac-
companied Maj. Pennypacker to Pennsylvania. Lieut. Col. Duer
received a sick leave of absence soon after and returned home from
St. Helena, and rejoined the Regiment after an absence of twenty-
eight days.
On September 24, there was a grand review of all the troops, on
Morris Island, by Maj. Gen. Q. A. Gillmore, who had just received
promotion for his successful operations on Morris Island, in honor
of which a salute of thirteen guns was fired by the land batteries.
Twenty-two regiments passed in review, beside the artillery regi-
ments and batteries. The 97th P. V., now commanded by Capt.
Price, being the first regiment in the 1st brigade, 1st division, 10th
corps, took position, at 8 A. M., on the right of the line, upon
the beach, opposite the camp of the Regiment.
Attended by his brilliant staff. Gen. Gillmore appeared after the
salute had been fired and rode down the line, the bands playing.
INTBRIOB OF FORT SUMTER.
drums rolling and colors dipping, the entire line presenting arms.
The troops were in splendid condition, which the general did not
fidl to observe, as he closely inspected the ranks. The artillery
attracted especial attention. After the return by the rear rank, the
general proceeded to a position opposite the centre, when Gen.
Terry, placing himself at head of the division, gave the command
to form column by companies. The troops then passed in review
before the commanding general, preceded by the bands of the dif-
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206 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. tSeptember,
ferent brigades. The marching was excellent. The war-worn
veterans moved in even front and steady lines, in accurate step,
under the eye of their general, who failed not to bestow his ad-
miration upon their proficiency in the march, as well as the valor
he had already proved during the long, arduous and successful
siege.
In the afternoon, the Regiment was detailed for fatigue duty at
Fort Gregg. Rebels shelled the men incessantly, both in Forts
Wagner and Gregg. One shell struck a gun carriage in Fort
Wagner and wounded four men. Four men were killed, in Fort
Gregg, during the previous night, by a shell from Fort Moultrie.
The Regiment returned to camp at 5 P. M.
On the night of September 24, apprehending an attack from the
enemy, in boats from Charleston, the troops in camp were called up
at 2 A. M. and required to stand at arms until daylight.
On September 25, the Regiment again occupied Forts Wagner
and Gregg, and the shore lines during the night, the main portion
of the detail returning in the morning to the keep, near the siege
guns, for shelter, on account of the severe shelling from the rebel
works.
The Regiment was paid, on the 26th, by Maj. Wm. M. Babbitt,
Paymaster U. S. A., to include the months of July and August,
1863.
The Regiment was relieved from duty in the trenches, at dusk
on the 26th, and again went to the front on the 28th, remaining
on duty till the evening of September 29, which was the last time
it occupied the trenches on Morris Island.
During the siege, from July 17 to October 1, 1863, the 97th P.
V. occupied the trenches at the front, and performed other duty on
the following dates: in action at Fort Wagner, a night assault,
July 18; on duty in the trenches, July 19, 24, 25, 27, 28, August
2, 3, 5, 6, 10, 11, 16, 17, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 27, 29, 30, September
2, 3, 4, 5; September 7, in the advance upon and occupation of
Forts Wagner and Gregg; occupied those fprts and other advance
post on September 10, 11, 16, 17, 19, 20, 22, 23, 25, 26, 28, 29;
detailed for fatigue duty, July 20 (night), 21 (night), 23 (day), 26
(night), 29 (night), August 7 (day), 8 (night), 12 (night), 13 (night),
16 (day), 17 (night) by all the men not on duty at the front, 19
(day), 23 (day), September 1 (night), 5, forty men, (night), 13 (day),
14 (day), 18 (night), 21 (night), 24 (day), 27 (day); making a
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IWS] MORRIS ISLAND. SIEGE OP CHARLESTON. 207
record of almost continuous service, constantly under fire from the
enemy's guns, both at the front and m camp, where shot and shell
frequently reached, falling in close proximity to the lines of tents.
During August, the Regiment was off duty but five days, and during
September but two days, an experience unprecedented outside the
forces on duty at the siege of Morris Island.
There being but little wood on Morris Island, great difficulty was
experienced in obtaining sufficient to cook rations for the troops.
Wood squads from the companies were compelled to carry all the
wood used from one to two miles, there being no teams on the Island
that could be spared from the siege operations for the purpose.
When the men occupied the trenches at the front, the company
cooks at each meal carried the kettles of coffee and soup nearly
two miles. Notwithstanding the exposure being much greater than
in the trenches, they never wavered in fidelity to their hungry com-
rades. The cooks' brigade was eagerly watched as it came and went
upon its perilous errands, the target of rebel shot and shell, and
toward the end of the siege of sharp-shooters also. But they seemed
to possess charmed lives; few if any casualties occurred with their
many narrow escapes. The cooks of Morris Island were far from
being reckoned among the cowards by their comrades in the trenches.
Owing to the ready observance of orders on the part of the men
of the Regiment, and to the attention of the officers, in keeping the
men from unnecessarily exposing themselves to the view of the
enemy while in the trenches, the casualties in the Regiment, during
the siege, were less frequent than in most other regiments occupy-
ing the same ground, though the shelling from the enemy's line was
as constant.
The 97th P. V. had frequently occupied the line during a tour of
duty without any casualty, while the regiment relieved had lost ten
to fifteen in killed and wounded, the number of shell thrown
being the same by actual count. The difference in result was
attributable entirely to the fact that the line of earthworks was
not indicated to the enemy by our men furnishing targets for the
range of their guns.
Owing to the excessive heat, the arduous and exposing duty
during the siege, and the low, damp ground through which the
trenches were dug, being sometimes filled to a deptn of eighteen
inches of water, at high tide, many of the men were prostrated by
sickness, chiefly cases of intermittent fever, chills and diarrhoea.
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208 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. [September,
Three enlisted men were discharged during the month, for
physical disability, viz.: Sergt. Patrick Carter, of Company E, on
the 13th; Privates Benjamin Hughes, of Company D, and Henry
Carney, of Company I, both on the 27th. The following men died
during the month on Morris Island, viz.: Privates Samuel Hunter,
of Company H, on the 4th, of chronic diarrhoea; William C. Shan-
non, of Company F, on the 7th, of typhoid fever; Hugh D. Mews,
of Company B, on the 11th, of typhoid pneumonia; Charles K.
Wentz, of Company C, on the 18th; Aaron Phipps, of Company
K, on the 26th; both of chronic diarrhoea, and Ovell Chappell, of
Company E, on the 29th, of chronic dysentery. They were all
buried on Morris Island, near the ruins of the lighthouse, destroyed
by the enemy, their graves being marked with the name, company
and regiment. The remains of Phipps were subsequently removed
by his friends to West Chester and reinterred in the Methodist
Cemetery.
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RETURN TO FERNANDINA. 209
CHAPTER VII.
Fernandina and Fort Clinch; Capture of Camp Cooper, Fla.;
Expedition to Woodstock and King's Ferry Mills, Ga. ; Re-
enlistment OF Veterans; Their Return on Furlough; De-
parture FROM Fernandina; October 1, 1863, to April 25, 1864.
HE protracted and arduous service of the unprece-
j dented siege on Morris Island, during July, August
, and September, 1863, had so prostrated the men as
to render rest and change absolutely essential to
restore the Regiment to its usual efficiency. Orders
were issued, about October 1, directing the 97th
P. V. to proceed to Fernandina, Fla., to occupy
that city and garrison Fort Clinch. Col. Guss was
relieved of the command of his brigade and as-
signed to the command of the post of Fernandina. Adjt. H. W.
Carruthers, A. A. A. General, 1st brigade; 1st Lieut. David Jones,
quarter-master 97th P. V., post quarter-master at Hilton Head;
Ass't Surgeon G. W. Miller, on duty in general hospital, at Hilton
Head, and such other officers and men of the 97th P. V. as had
been detailed on detached service in the department, were relieved,
by special order, on September 30, and directed to rejoin their
Regiment.
The camp, on Morris Island, was broken up on the morning of
October 2. The tents and baggage of the Regiment were conveyed
to the beach, at Lighthouse Inlet, to which point the men had
marched. At noon, the right wing of the Regiment embarked on
the Alice Price and the left on the Emilie, two small steam trans-
ports. The sea being quite rough, the vessels lay at anchor until
next morning. At 1 1 o'clock, they set out for Port Royal. Having
a smooth sea, reached the harbor at 8.30 P. M., and anchored off
Hilton Head. The next morning, the Regiment was transferred to
the steamer Boston, commanded by our good friend, Capt. J. P.
14
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210 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH BEGIMENT. [October,
Johnson, unto whose care all were glad to be consigned again. At
Hilton Head, Mr. John F. Forrest, sutler of the 97th P. V., rejoined
the Regiment after an absence of nearly three months, having ar-
rived a few days previously with a schooner load of supplies long
needed by the men. *
Capt. George R. Guss, the colonel's eldest son, also met the Regi-
ment at Hilton Head, arriving with Mr. Forrest, on a visit to his
father. He proceeded first to Morris Island to examine the siege
operations there, and subsequently went to Femandina and re-
mained during the winter.
The Boston sailed for Femandina, at 3.30 P. M., on the 4th,
having a supply schooner in tow. Some of the sick were left in the
hospital, at Hilton Head, being too much prostrated to bear the
transportation on shipboard. The steamer arrived off the bar, op-
posite Fort Clinch, at 7 A. M., on the 6th, and, entering Amelia
River, came to anchor opposite the town, at 10 A. M., soon afl;er
which the Regiment disembarked at the wharf, where the men re-
mained until the several post details were arranged.
Col. Guss announced his arrival to Col. H. M. Plaisted, 11th
Maine, commandant of the post, and presented the order directing
him to relieve Col. Plaisted and his regiment from duty at that
post.
The following paragraph, in reference to the arrival of the 97th
P. v., at Femandina, appeared in the editorial column of the
Peninsular, published weekly at that place, by William C. Morrill,
Esq., who was also post master at Femandina:
" Our New Defenders. The 97th Pennsylvania, Col. Henry R. Guss, com-
raanding, are veterans in the service of their country and are already in the third
year of the period of their enlistment. They have made a record of which they
have reason to be proud. They have been in this department nearly two years,
and for the last three months have been stationed at Morris Island, where the
arduous duties they have had to perform have materially lessened the health
and efficiency of the men, and they have, in consequence, been ordered here io
recruit. It is a sufficient testimony to the courage and ability of the commanding
officer, that he was, by order of Gen. Gillmore, placed in charge of a brigade
while there and participated in the stirring scenes which have recently been en-
acted there ; and the Regiment could have had no higher compliment paid it than
in the fact that it was selected, by Gen. Terry, to lead the "forlorn hopcr" on the
night of the final assault, on Fort Wagner, when it was found that the enemy
had incontinently decamped. We extend a hearty welcome to Col. Guss and his
brave officers and men, and hope that their stay may not only be profitable to
' them, but pleasant and agreeable to all parties."
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1«8.] FERNANDINA. ITS ASPECT AND INHABITANTS. 211
Col. Plaisted's command had been on duty, at Femandina, about
four months. A detachment of colored troops was at the post, en-
gaged in recruiting the Ist Fla., under the direction of Lieut. Col.
Milton S. Littlefield. The officer in command of the detachment
was Capt. Mahlon E. Davis, of Company A, 1st Fla. His company
was encamped near Fort Plaisted, at the southwest border of the
town. This force was not engaged in any duty connected with the
post
Since Fernandina was first occupied by the Regiment, in March,
1862, there had many changes taken place. Some, who had left
it when evacuated by the enemy, had since returned. A number
of citizens from the north and many white refugees and contra-
bands had arrived. Most of the handsome residences, with finely
cultivated grounds, were now despoiled of their beauty by the de-
solating hand of war laying waste the work of years. Soldiers
had occupied the spacious parlors and chambers where the chivalry
were wont to revel and repose. Ragged negro children climbed
the banisters of the wide stairways and crowded the piazzas of the
palatial structures, erected for the luxurious abode of governors and
senators, who fled from their splendid homes at the approach of
the defenders of the government they, also, had solemnly sworn to
support. Instead of welcoming these as their friends and pro-
tectors, they had become fugitives, self-deprived of country and
home. The contrabands were in charge of a government agent, H.
H. Helper, Esq., a former resident of North Carolina, a most active
and energetic man, to whose faithful administration and care of
their interests the colored population was indebted for very much
that tended to secure for them the occupation of houses and culti-
vation of the lands, which enabled them to subsist and, in some
instances, to accumulate quite considerable gains. In all questions,
involving these varied and conflicting interests, he was advocate for
both plaintiff and defendant, and judge to determine and enforce
the right, which he did with a justice and directness that secured
for him the confidence of the entire population.
The head-quarters of the post, occupied by Col. Plaisted, was the
house of ex-Senator Yulee, where Col. Guss also established his
head^juarters.
Upon taking command of the post of Fernandina, October 5,
1863, Col. Guss announced the following appointments: provost
marshal, Capt. Isaiah Price, of Company C; post adjutant and
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212 HISTORY OP THE NINETY- SEVENTH BEGIMENT. [October.
acting assistant inspector general, Ist Lieut. Henry W. Carruthers,
adjutant 97th P. V.; post surgeon, Maj. John R. Everhart, surgeon
97th P. v.; post quarter-master, 1st Lieut. David Jones, quarter-
master 97th P. v.; post commissary, 1st Lieut. John McGrath,
of Company E; post ordnance officer, 1st Lieut. Gasway O. Yamall,
of Company G ; post treasurer and in charge of post bakery, 1st
Lieut. James T. Skiles, of Company B. These officers nearly all
continued in the discharge of the duties assigned them during the
period the Regiment remained at the post.
Company C was assigned to duty as provost guard. Capt. Price,
with his company, upon landing, proceeded to the provost guard
quarters, a large new dwelling in the southwestern part of the city,
where he relieved Capt. Sabine, of the 11th Maine, provost marshal.
The company stacked arms in front of the building, upon a vacant
lot, and the men were allowed to rest under the shade in the vi-
cinity, subject to orders of the lieutenants in charge of the company
until the quarters occupied by the 1 1th Maine were ready for them.
Capt. Price received, of the former provost marshal, all the books
and papers pertaining to the office, together with such property as
was in his charge, and about thirty prisoners, under sentence of
court-martial, who had been consigned to the custody of that officer,
duplicate receipts beitig given in each case.
Companies A and G were detailed to garrison Fort Clinch, under
command of Capt. Francis M. Guss, of Company A, relieving two
companies of the 11th Maine. The officers and part of the men
occupied quarters in the casemates of the fort, the remainder having
tents. A regular detail of sentinels guarded the fort, two or three
posts were required on the beach, and a watch kept at the Light-
house, at some distance. The duty was mainly that of a garrison
to the fort. A mounted courier was on duty as messenger between
the fort and post head-quarters.
Company H, commanded by 2d Lieut. George A. Lemaistre, was
stationed at Old Town, between New Femandina and Fort Clinch.
The company occupied tents on the banks of the river, near the
houses. This company maintained a guard at the causeway leading
to the fort and a picket at a point on the river to prevent boats
passing up and down The charge of maintaining order in the Old
Town was also a part of the duty.
Company E, Capt. William McConnell in command, was sta-
tioned, as an outpost picket, at the railroad bridge across an inlet
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^^•] FERNANDINA. DETAILS FOR POST DUTY. 213
from Amelia River, on the Femandina and Pilatka Bailroad, two
and a half miles from Fernandina.
The remaining companies of the Regiment were encamped on
the ground occupied by Col. Plaisted's regiment, near the rebel re-
doubt on the river, and adjacent to the late Gov. Broom's house,
the officers having quarters in an adjoining house. The men occu-
pied their tents.
On October 6, Mr. Forrest's schooner arrived with sutler's stores,
which were landed and transferred to a storehouse near the officers'
quarters, where Mr. Forrest was soon established in a thriving trade
to his own profit and the men's delight. His schooner had served
also as his storehouse in the early part of the campaign of 1863,
but he mostly had a large tent at the camp of the Regiment.
The five companies of the Regiment at Femandina were engaged
in the usual camp duties and furnished the post guard; also a picket
guard, that was established on the roads and approaches to the
town from inland, these being relieved every twenty-four hours; two
posts were also stationed several miles down the island, one at
an old sugar house plantation and one still further, at Harrison's
Landing, on the inside shore of the island; these posts being relieved
at intervals of one week, having also a mounted courier at each
post to carry intelligence of any movement if necessary. Provision
and forage were sent to them as required.
A mounted patrol of six men was also detailed for service, under
the provost marshal, two being on duty at a time, day and night,
leUeved every four hours. They were charged with the duty of
arresting all stragglers from camp and of surpervising the order of
the town, seeing that all persons at the post were duly authorized
as 'resident or having the proper passes, at night requiring the
lights in heuses and quarters to be extinguished at taps and the
men to be in camp, demanding the countersign of all found in the
streets after 9 P. M. The patrol was at all times available to arrest
and prevent disorder of every kind and promoted greatly the quiet
and security of the post. The men selected for this duty were of
the most energetic and reliable in the Regiment. They received
the entire approbation of the provost marshal for their faithful
services. The original detail consisted of Corps. John T. Boofter,
Company B; John W. Brooks, Company D; Privates Robert L.
Black and WiUiam H. Clark, Company A ; Davis McAfee, Com-
pany F, and James Peoples, Company I. Clark, of Company A,
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214 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. [October,
was relieved, in January, by Private Jacob C. Strode, of same com-
pany, on account of disability from a rupture. Corp. Brooks and
Privates Black, McAfee and Peoples re-enlisted, with the veterans,
in March, and received furloughs to return home. Privates Greorge
W. Hawkins, Chanlee Kirk and William H. H. Startz, of Company
A, and Private Joseph Wetherill, of Company C, were detailed to
fill the vacancies in the patrol.
Private John W. Ford, of Company A, was detailed as a mounted
courier for duty at post head-quarters. Corp. Harry S. Pyott, of
Company A, was placed in charge of the contrabands at the post,
and Sergt. Lee A. Stroud, of Company F, was detailed as wharf
master, Sergt. "William L. Morris, of Company A, was detailed as
ordnance sergeant, at Fort Clinch, to assist Lieut. Yamall, post
ordnance officer.
Sergt. R. Powell Fithian, of Company K, was also detailed as post
printer, and subsequently Private Young, of Company D. They
were attached to the office of the Peninsular during most of the
time the Regiment remained at the post.
Several men were detailed at (he post bakery, with Corp. Chan-
ning Brinton placed in charge of the clerical duties of that institution ;
Corp. Wilbur F. Flannery, Company D, as clerk at post head-
quarters ; Corp. C. Burleigh Hambleton Company C as chief clerk
to provost marshal ; Private Jeremiah King, Company A, as clerk
to post quarter-master; Privates Robert "W. Humphreys, Company
B, and John L. Kitts, Company C, as clerks in post commissary de-
partment.
The post hospital was a fine large building situated on Main Street,
between the head-quarters and the camp of the Regiment. The ac-
commodations were most ample, rooms large and airy, the ventila-
tion of the wards and the police arrangements very good. The sup-
ply of stores, bedding, medicines, etc., adequate to every want of
the sick, and even that novel accommodation, a milch-cow, was
here for the first time supplied.
The provost guard established a regular camp guard around the lot
enclosing the quarters and the barracks in which the prisoners in
charge of the provost marshal were confined. A guard was also pro-
vided to have charge of the prisoners while at work at the wharf or
other places where their services were required. Additional prison-
ers were received by the provost marshal from time to time from the
forces in the departnient, in conformity with the sentences of courts-
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1M8] FERNANDINA. POST DUTIES AND INCIDENTS. 215
martial. During his term of service at the post, the number was
increased from thirty to one hundred and thirty. Tlie terms of sen-
tence designated *'Fort Clinch, Florida, at hard labor;" but owing
to the difficulty attending the control of a few prisoners at work
with a large number of civilians, who were employed at the fort,
the previous provost marshal had been employing the prisoners at
such labor as was needed in the quarter-master's department, at the
wharf in the town, and in cutting wood for the post bakery, etc.
This arrangement was at first continued by Capt. Price. They
were also employed in cutting logs for piles to rebuild the wharf and
in driving the piles for the same. They also aided in the removal
of the old jail, a log structure, quite a distance, to the provost head-
quarters, to be used as a lockup when required.
Subsequently, the prisoners were removed to the barracks, near
Fort Clinch, to be employed upon the work at the fort, in con-
formity with the terms of sentence, being in charge of a guard and
under command of a sergeant of the provost guard company, whose
detail served continuously for a week at a time, divided into three
daily reliefs.
Among other duties of the provost marshal was that of exa-
mining all vessels, other than naval, entering and departing from
the harbor, to prevent illegal traffic and the sale of liquors to the
troops, having a sailing and rowboat, with a crew detailed for the
purpose of boarding these vessels in the harbor. Upon one oc-
casion, a barque came to anchor near Fort Clinch. The day being
stormy and the harbor quite rough, it was difficult to reach the
barque ; the tide, also, running out very swiftly. On approaching
the vessel, it was found the boat's painter was entangled under
the end of the stepboard, forced loose by the strain on the mast.
Calling for a rope to be thrown over the side, to make fast the boat,
it was not understood. The boat then swept past, there being
nothing to catch hold of to stay it in the rapid current. It was
then necessary to go about, in order to return to the vessel, a feat
very difficult and dangerous in waves so high and wild. By great
exertion, the boat was kept from being swamped in turning, having
shipped a heavy wave which nearly filled it. Arriving again at the
ride of the vessel, a rope was made fast to the boat. The provost mar-
shal and one man had just ascended the sling ladder, when, owing
to slack rope, the prow of the boat getting a little out from the side
of the vessel, the swift current overturned it in an instant. Sergt.
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216 HISTORY OF THE NINETT-SEVENTH REGIMENT. [October.
Moore and Private Latch, of Company C, being still in the boat,
the latter caught the sling ladder as the boat went under; but
Sergt. Moore, less fortunate, was swept down with the boat. He
managed to catch hold of the rope, by which the boat was still
securely fastened, but his position was one of great peril With
great presence of mind, he held oh until a rope was thrown over to
him, which he made fast around his body and was hauled aboard at
the stern of the vessel. Mr. Frisbee, the pilot, then took his boat
and secured the mast and sail of the boat which were floating sea-
ward.
On the evening of October 22, a reunion of the officers of the
army and navy, at the post, occurred on board the gunboat Flam-
beau, which was the occasion of inaugurating the most kindly
feeling between the two branches of the service. The officers of the
navy being the hosts, spared no pains to make it a success. The
table was loaded with the choicest luxuries to be found. The
largest drumfish ever caught in those waters honored the guests
with his presence, being nearly four feet in length and in due pro-
portion, proving delicious as a brook trout.
The deck was adorned with bunting draped from the spars over-
head, while the merry sailors, with song and viol, alternated music
with jest, and witty repartee in genuine cordiality filled the hours
with pleasure, until the small figures warned the guests to bid adieu
to their hosts, impressed with the feeling that the memories of that
evening would ever remain a pleasant retrospect to brighten some
of the sterner experiences of the soldier's and the sailor's life.
Long life and happiness to our friends, the "gallant Flambeau
tars."
During the stay at the post, some of the officers obtained leave
to visit St. Augustine, that beautiful and strange old Spanish town,
whose early history, with its thrilling legends, have thrown a veU
of mysterious interest around its old fortress, with its subterranean
vaults, its ruined arches and crumbling walls. The description of
these might form a romance in itself.
On October 24th, the first mail was received at Femandina, and
the men who had received furloughs, on Morris Island, rejoined the
Regiment, arriving in the mail steamer. Com. Sergt. McKay re-
sumed his duties; Sergt. Moore, of Company C, was relieved from
duty, as acting commissary sergeant, and returned to duty with his
company. Lieut. Col. Duer also returned to the Regiment, from
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1W3.1 PERNANDINA. DEATHS AND DISCHARGES. 217
sick leave of absence, his health not much improved. He occupied
quarters in Gov. Broom's house.
Privates James F. Maloney, Company I, and Jacob Kerr, Com-
pany F, were discharged, for disability, on the 12th. The latter
died, on the 27th, at Hilton Head, of chronic diarrhoea; Private
Jonathan Todd, Company I, was transferred to the Veteran Reserve
Corps, on October 31.
During the month of October, the following men of the Regiment
died: Private Joseph E. Booth, of Company D, died, of chronic
diarrhoea, at the hospital of the 3d N. H., on Morris Island, October
3; Corp. David S. Christman, of Company K, of pneumonia, at the
general hospital, on the 7th; Private James Kenan, of Company B,
on the 8th; Private Milton Greenfield, of Company F, on the 11th;
Corp. John Doyle, of Company G, on the 26th, and Sergt. David
H. Bimey, of Company B, on the 30th ; the four latter of chronic
diarrhoea, at the general hospital; Privates Isaac H. Pugh, of Com-
pany G, on the 25th, and Jacob Macintosh, of Company C, on the
28th, both died at Beaufort, of the same disease. The following
died at the post hospital, at Femandina: Private George G. Hardy,
of Company B, on the 13th, of chronic diarrhoea; Private John G.
Hughes, Company H, on the 15th, of scurvy; Private Jesse Wood-
ward, Company F, on the 26th, of consumption; Private Charles
J. Kinsey, Company C, on the 28th, of chronic diarrhoea; Private
Patrick Murphy, Company E, on the 28th, of consumption.
Sergt. Reese L. Weaver, Company G, died, on the 12th, of
chronic diarrhoea, in the U. S. hospital, in New York ; Private John
Ward, Company I, on the 28th, of chronic diarrhoea, at Fort Schuy-
ler hospital, New York Harbor. These were all most excellent
men and faithful soldiers. Company A was the only one not in-
cluded in this list. Those who died at Femandina were buried in
the general burying ground adjoining Old Town.
At a meeting of the members of the I. O. of O. F., belonging to
the 97th P. V., held at the provost marshal's head-quarters, on the
evening after the death of Private Jesse Woodward, resolutions of
respect to his memory and his faithfulness as a soldier, also of con-
dolence to his family, were adopted and forwarded to West Chester,
properly attested. He was a member of Pocohontas Lodge, No.
316, of West Chester, Pa., and was a conscientious, faithfiil soldier,
generous in feeling, though quiet and unobtrusive. He possessed
the esteem and confidence of both officers and men.
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218 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. [November,
The following statement gives the changes which occurred in the
Regiment during its second year of service: on October 29, 1862,
the total officers and men was eight hundred and thirty-nine; sub-
sequently, nine recruits had joined, making a total number of eight
hundred and forty-eight ; during the year one officer was transferred
to the U. S. Signal Corps; eleven officers resigned, or were dis-
charged on surgeon's certificate, and sixty-four men were discharged
on same account; one officer and forty-six men died, four of whom
were killed ; five men were transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps
and two men to the U. S. Signal Corps; twelve men re-enlisted in
Company E, 3d U. S. Artillery; making a total loss in the regiment
of one hundred and forty-two during the year, leaving the aggregate,
October 29, 1863, at seven hundred and six, officers and men, the
loss being thirty less than that of the first year of service.
On October 31, the Eegiment was mustered for pay and inspected
by Col. Guss and staff, who visited the different detachments for
the purpose.
On November 6, the steamer Rebecca Clyde arrived at Fernan-
dina, having on board two hundred and eighteen substitutes and
conscripts for the 97th P. V., in charge of Capt. D. W. C. Lewis,
Company F. The men were mostly in a very insubordinate condi-
tion, having been furnished with whisky, by the crew, during the
voyage. Many of them, having their bounty money in their posses-
sion at starting, had been robbed by gangs of desperate associates,
who, in turn, were continually stealing the proceeds from each
other. The officers in charge and the captain of the steamer had
only succeeded in preventing them from taking control of the ship
by threats of turning the steam upon them in their quarters below.
A detail of two companies, from the Regiment, was stationed as a
double line of guards from the wharf to a church, around which a
guard was also placed. Between these Unes the men were con-
ducted. Several of the most drunken and disorderly made violent
demonstrations, bidding defiance to all in their reach and fighting
among themselves, yet avoiding contact with the lines of bayonets
in the hands of the guard. When they had all been driven into
the church, the provost marshal and his guard entered and secured
the ringleaders of the desperadoes, who, by this time, found it was
useless to resist. Col. Guss then addressed the men — said he hoped
they would conform to order and proper discipline. If they did they
would have no trouble in the future; if they did not they would be
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1863.] FERNANDINA, CONSCRIPTS AND SUBSTITUTES. 219
punished. He told them he would receive and treat them as he
would like to be treated himself and hoped they would prove to be
good soldiers. The remainder now seemed quite willing to obey and
respect the authority of the officers. Many of them said they felt as
if their lives were now, for the first time since leaving the north,
rendered secure. These men were then marched to the camp of the
Regiment, where, under the superintendence of Col. H. R. Guss,
they were examined and identified with the descriptive rolls fur-
nished, and assigned to the different companies.
On November 14, seventy more conscripts and substitutes arrived
in the steamer Beaufort, in charge of Capt. Caleb Hoopes, Company
G. Many of these were also drunk and disorderly, having had
whisky freely furnished them by the crew. The same measures
were adopted to reduce them to order and respect of authority as
before.
The total number assigned to the different companies was as
follows: Company A, seven; Company B, thirty-one; Company C,
tiiirty-four; Company D, twenty-five; Company E, twenty-seven;
Company F, twenty-one; Company G, twenty-eight; Company H,
thirty-six; Company I, thirty-eight; Company K, forty-one. Total,
two hundred and eighty-eight men.
Many of these men became good and reliable soldiers, but the
greater portion were a constant cause of trouble to the entire com-
mand, requiring the utmost vigilance of the officers to prevent in-
subordination, and entailing increased duty upon the old and faithful
men of the Regiment to keep the disorderly new ones in subjection,
to orders.
Among other property turned over to the provost marshal, by the
retiring officer, was the stock and fixtures of a dry goods and gro-
cery store of a citizen convicted of selling liquor at the post, in vio-
lation of orders. An order was subsequently received from the pro-
vost marshal general of the department, Lieut. Col. James F. Hall,
1st N. Y. Eng's, directing the sale of the goods and a return made to
him of the proceeds. This order was carried out, on November 10,
by a public auction of the goods after due public notice. The provost
marshal remembered that a son of one of Chester County's most
noted auctioneers was a member of Company B, 97th P. V. He
therefore summoned Sergt. W. A. Nichols to his head-quarters, and
telling him he wanted an auctioneer, and knew of nothing nearer in
dmt line than the son of an auctioneer, proposed then and there that
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220 HISTORT OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. [November,
he should begin to follow in the footsteps of his illustrious ances-
tor. Nothing daunted, the sergeant expressed his willingness to go
into business in that line. His success was most gratifying, exceed-
ing the expectation of all concerned — ^prices ranged high, and the
sergeant displayed wit, readiness and tact that made the occasion
one of the liveliest and most interesting* that occurred during the
stay at Fernandina. Sergt. Nichols, having graduated as an auc-
tioneer, in Florida, with such distinguished honors, has continued
to ply his vocation since his return home, it is hoped, with the
success he then gave such good promise of deserving.
On November 12, Maj. Pennypacker and Lieut. Black, of Com-
pany K, returned to the Regiment, having had their leave extended
to fifty days. Both were much improved in health and were gladly
welcomed by the Regiment. The major occupied quarters, in Gov.
Broom's house, with Lieut. Col. Duer. Capt. George Guss also ar-
rived from Morris. Island. Col. Guss' daughter. Miss Lizzie Guss,
and his cousin, Mrs. Mary Ann Warner, accompanied Maj. Penny-
packer from West Chester. Capt. Henry W. King (harbor mas-
ter at Hilton Head) and his wife also came down to visit the colo-
nel for a short time, accompanied by Mrs. Capt. Bryant. They
remained a couple of weeks. Miss Guss and Mrs. Warner con-
tinued with the colonel during the winter. The presence of these
ladies was a most agreeable accession to the social circle, and ren-
dered the colonel's home a very attractive household, quite in con-
trast with the long and lonely campaign he had experienced without
. the presence of his family circle. Other visitors during the winter
enlarged the interest for those who had long been deprived of the
benefit of ladies' society, and the presence of quite a number of the
ladies of ofiicers and others, spending the winter south, became a
most entertaining and permanent feature in the vrinter's expe-
riences. Among these were the family of Gov. Reed, Mrs. H. H.
Helper, Mrs. Capt. Alfred F. Sears and two of her young friends
(the Misses Talcott, from New York), Mrs. Dr. Winslow and sister,
Mrs. Capt. Davis, Misses Merrick, Botts, Slocum (sister of (Jen.
Slocum, of New York), and other lady teachers, engaged in edu-
cating the contrabands, and some others whose names cannot now
be recalled.
Frequent excursions were made on horseback upon the beach and
down the island, and boating upon the bay and up the Cumberland
Sound. Hunting wild cattle, upon the island, also afforded an
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^^] FERNANDINA. INLAND EXCURSIONS. 221
occasional day's sport, for the purpose of obtaining fresh beef.
Upon one occasion, whei\ the ladies were of the party, a fine deer
was started up and an animated chase ensued. Shots were fired
from all quarters and the party dashed, at full speed, in pursuit,
closing in upon the fugitive. The ladies rode gallantly over the
underbrush and across the cotton ridges, to be in at the death, one
being the second to arrive at the spot where the giame fell. The
venison steak proved even more delicious than the roast beef that
formed the larger bulk of the day's prizes.
Some of these inland ex-
cursions led into the intri-
cate jungles and swamps,
inaccessible, except by fol-
lowing the paths of the
wild cattle, traversed with
difficulty, by horsemen, who
were often dragged from
their seats by overhanging
branches and intertwining
vines of the jungle. The
scenery, in some places, was
enchanting. The limbs of
the trees were festooned by
the ever-present swaying
moss, in its weird - like
beauty, while the bright a Florida bwamp and jungle.
surface of some rift of water
repeated the wild picture in submerged reflection, giving realization
unto visions of fairy land.
On November 14, one man from each company received a fur-
lough, for thirty days, and returned home.
On November 15, six of the men assigned to Company K de-
serted, and succeeded in escaping to the enemy on the main
land.
On the following day, five men deserted, from Company E, who
also went over to the enemy's lines.
On the 16th, a company of rebel cavalry appeared in sight, on
the main land, opposite Cumberland Sound. The naval steamer
Flambeau ran up the sound and threw some shell, which dispersed
them. The next day, the same company was seen on the shore up
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222 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. fNoYember,
the Amelia River, when the Flambeau again advanced and threw
shell after them.
November 26, the day set apart, by President Lincoln, as a day
of thanksgiving, was appropriately observed at the post. The troops
and citizens were assembled, at 10 A. M,, in front of the Baptist
Church, where a platform had been erected. Colonel Guss was an-
nounced as president, Lieut. Col. Duer, Capt. Price and Lieut. D.
Jones, vice-presidents, and Judge J. K. Stickney, of the U. S. Tax
Commission, as secretary.
The services were opened by introductory remarks, and followed
by an appropriate prayer, by Rev. William Kennedy, of the United
States Christian Commission. Music by the string band, recently
organized, at Fort Clinch, principally by the members of Company
A and other companies. Song, " America," sung by the ladies of
the assemblage. Reading proclamation and accompanying remarks,
by Capt. Alfred F. Sears, 1st N. Y. Eng's, constructing engineer
of Fort Clinch. Song, *'Star Spangled Banner." Remarks, by
Edward Cavendy, acting volunteer lieutenant, commanding gun-
boat Flambeau, and F. H. D'Estmauville, acting ensign of gunboat
Flambeau. Song, "Red, White and Blue." Remarks, by Adjt.
H. W. Carruthers, 97th P. V., post adjutant, and Capt Hawkins,
Company I, 97th P. V. Song, "Hail Columbia." Hymn, "Old
Hundred." Closing remarks and benediction, by Rev. Mr. Beard,
of the U. S. Christian Commission. The exercises were most in-
teresting. All the remarks were well timed and forcibly eloquent
and enthusiastically received by the assembly. During the pro-
ceedings, the best order prevailed. The string band, which inter-
spersed the exercises, also gave some very beautiful performances in
the afternoon, at Col. Guss' head-quarters, and several serenades in
the evening.
On November 28, four substitutes increased the number of de-
serters from Company E, at the railroad bridge. They escaped
across the river to the main land.
About this time, 1st Lieut. John McGrath, Company E, was re-
leased from duty, as post commissary, by 2d Lieut. Henry Odiome,
Company D. Lieut. McGrath was ordered to report at the post
commissary, at Beaufort, S. C, for duty at that place. After a few
weeks, he returned to Femandina and was again assigned to duty as
post commissary.
During the month of November, the following deaths occurred
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18W.] FERNANDINA. SALUTE IN HONOR OF GRANT'S VICTORIES. 223
in the Regiment: Corp. Robert Trowland, Company I, on the 4th,
of chronic diarrhoea, at Christian Street Hospital, Philadelphia;
Private William G. McLane, Company C, on the 8th, of chronic
diarrhoea, at Beaufort; Private Horace Passmore, Company A,
on the 18th, of chronic diarrhoea, at Femandina; Private James
Wright, of Company G, on the 20th, of chronic diarrhoea, at Fer-
nandina; Private Samuel Pierson, substitute, of Company K, on
the 25th, of dysentery, at Femandina. The death of Passmore
was the third in Company A since entering the service, a period of
two years and three months.
No discharges during the month of November.
About December 1, in addition to his other duties, Maj. Penny-
packer was appointed to superintend the company drills, act as
instructor of officers, and to establish a school for the theoretical in-
struction of the officers of the Regiment.
On December 8, the Regiment was paid for the months of Sep-
tember and October, by Maj. Orloff M. Mason, paymaster U. S. Vols.
The members of Companies A and G, after receiving their pay,
made a most commendable and generous donation, by subscription,
amounting to one hundred and thirty dollars, and forwarded it to
Mrs. Yocum, of West Chester, Pa., who had lost a son in each of
those companies.
On December 9, a salute of thirty-five guns was fired from Fort
CUnch, Fla., in honor of Gen. Grant's victories over Gen. Braxton
Bra^, at Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge and Chattanooga, Tenn.,
on November 24 and 25.
On the night of December 14, four additional men, of those re-
cently assigned, eluded the vigilance of the guard and deserted from
the camp. Their names were James Wilson, Company B, Peter
Goodrich and John Williams of Company I, and James Thompson,
Company K. They had evidently reached the road leading down
the island at a point below the picket station by making a detour
through the almost impenetrable thicket. After ascertaining this,
Capt. Hawkins, with a crew of picked men, started in pursuit, along
the inside channel, hoping to intercept the men before they could
find means to cross to the main land. They, however, had reached
the lower end of the island just as a boat, in charge of some negroes
in the employ of Mr. H. H. Helper, government agent at Femandina,
who had been fishing, landed on the shore, Mr. Helper being at the
time with another boat on the opposite side and out of view. The
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224 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. [December,
deserters made a desperate attempt to capture the boat of the
negroes. Goodrich, seizmg the boat, pointed a pistol at the men who
were trying to get off with it and fired, but, not hitting the negroes,
wounded one of his companions (Thompson), who also had hold
of the boat. This mishap disconcerted the men. The negroes im-
mediately jumped into the boat and pulled for the other shore to
inform Mr. Helper of the attack. He then crossed the river with
his men and approached the deserters, who were near their wounded
companion. From his appearance, being dressed in a gray suit, they
supposed he was a rebel and requested to be taken across, saying
they were very sorry they had mistaken his men for " Femandina
niggers," and would make it aU right with him as they had money.
Mr. Helper did not disabuse them of their delusion, but, before
agreeing to take them in his boats, insisted upon their surrendering
their arms. This they agreed to, when Mr. Helpey directed them to
place their wounded companion in the boat first and then the three
men to get in the forward part of the boat. Previously to crossing,
he had armed -himself and men with the carbines he usually carried
on such excursions. Placing himself in a position to watch the
slightest movement of the deserters, he ordered his men to pull for
''the opposite side." It was now nearly dark. The deserters were
beginning to regard with suspicion the course Mr. Helper was
taking. In a very short time the boat of Capt. Hawkins was met,
when the deserters realized for the first time that they were cap-
tured. Capt. Hawkins received the prisoners of Mr. Helper and
returned to Fernandina, where they were placed in charge of the
provost marshal to await trial by court-martial.
Christmas day, at Fernandina, was celebrated by a series of plea-
sant festivities, participated in by the army, navy and citizens.
Ample arrangements were made to secure the success of the enter-
tainment. The exercises commenced, at 9 A. M., as follows:
Target shooting^ Springfield rifled muskets, at one hundred yards.
First prize, for best three shots, $5; second, $3; third, $2. Com-
petitors : two men from each company and four from the naval force
at the post. Committee to award prizes: Lieut. Col. A. P. Duer;
Surgeon John R. Everhart; Capt. Mahlon . E. Davis, 1st Fla, ; J.
B. Rhind, U. S. N.; John K. Stickney, Esq. First prize, -won
by Private Eli Dunlap, Company G; second prize, by Private Leo-
nard Thomas, Company C; third prize, by Private Edward Wade,
C'ompany G.
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1W8.1 FERNANDINA. CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES. 225
Hurdle race. Distance, fifty yards; five hurdles, two feet high;
race, through and back. First prize, $5; second, $3; third, $2.
Committee: Capt I. Price, 2d Lieut. H. Odiome, F. H. D'Estmau-
ville, U. S. N. The prizes were won by sailors, names not ascer-
tained.
Blindfold wheelbarrow feat Distance, fifty yards to goal stake.
The competitors to start separately, each blindfolded, his back to the
goal First prize, to man leaving barrow nearest to stake, $3;
second prize, to next in distance, $2. Committee: Capt. D. W. C.
Lewis, Lieut. G. O. Yarnall, Lieut. G. A. Lemaistre. No record
was obtained of the successful competitors.
Boat race^ between the army and navy boats' crews, to a stake-
boat and return. Preliminaries arranged by the following com-
mittee: Capt. G. W. Hawkins, A. S. Megattelin, U. S. N., and
John Harris, U. S. N. Prize, $15. Committee to award prize:
Col. H. R. Guss, Capt. Alfred H. Sears, 1st N. Y. Eng's, and
Act'g Lieut. Com. Edward Cavendy, U. S. N. The competitors
were the boat's crew of the U. S. gunboat Flambeau and the
post boat's crew, consisting of Corp. Harry L. Pyott, Privates
Harry T. Gray, William Given and Lewis Edward Humpton, all
of Company A, and Privates Michael H. Matthews and John J.
Richardson, Company I. This contest was entered into with great
spirit and determination on both sides. The crew of the 97th P.
V. rowed with surprising steadiness and force, showing a degree of
proficiency with the oar that elicited universal admiration. They
defeated their opponents signally, giving a proud victory to the land
forces in bearing off the prize.
Sack race. Distance fifty yards. First prize, $3; second, f2;
third, $1. Committee: Capt. Caleb Hoopes, Ass't Surgeon George
W. Miller, Lieut. S. V. Black. Prizes won by sailors.
Foot race. Distance, two hundred yards. First prize, $5; second,
|3. Committee: Adjt. H. W. Carruthers. Lieut. William Peace,
Act'g Ass't Surgeon Samuel B. Hoppin, U. S. N. First prize,
won by Private Eli Dunlap, Company G, and a sailor the second.
Hurdle aojck race. Distance, thirty yards; three hurdles, one
foot high. First prize, $5; second, $3. Committee: Ass't Surgeon
William C. Morrison, Lieut. James T. Skiles, Lieut. James Mc-
Williams. The prizes won by sailors.
Jig darwe. Price to best dancer, $6. Committee : Lieut. John
McGrath, Lieut. F. J. Eachus and Mr. John Forrest, sutler of 97th
15
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226 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. [December,
P. V. Three competitors — ^a sailor and two soldiers. The prize
won by the former.
Meal feat Open to all contrabands at the post. Prize, the
meal, coin, and $5. Committee; Capt. William McConnell, Lieut.
I. Fawkes, Lieut. J. Knapp. Three competitors for this exceed-
ingly ludicrous feat. The prize was born off by a contraband sailor
of the Flambeau. The two others received a contribution from the
officers present.
Greased pig race. Pig to have ten yards start. Prize, the pig?
to be awarded to the one catching and holding him by the tail.
Committee: Lieut. John Wainwright, Lieut. H. Kauffman, H. H.
Helper, Esq., Superintendent of Contrabands. The pig won his
own bacon.
Master of ceremonies for the day: Maj. G. Pennypacker. As-
sistants: Capt. F. M. Guss, Capt. J. M. C. Savage, Qr. Mr. David
Jones, Lieut. Thomas Cosgriff. Chairman committee of arrange-
ments: Capt. W. S. Mendenhall.
The day was most pleasant — mild as spring-time at the north.
Every arrangement was perfected to make the occasion interesting
and indicative of the good feeling existing between the army, navy
and citizens. The games and festivities occupied most of the day
and evening, and afforded much amusement both to spectators and
participants. The officers of the 97th P. V. distributed about one
hundred dollars in prizes to the successful competitors and others.
A bountiful Christmas dinner was provided, by Mrs. St. John, for
the officers of the Regiment and their guests. Every delicacy of a
southern climate and the larder of the department were laid under
contribution to supply the viands. Roast turkey, pig, ducks,
chickens, oysters in every style, and pastry that vied with the most
delicious productions of Delmonico's or Mrs. Pyle's, were duly in-
troduced in regular course, followed by fruits, nuts and wines.
Beautiful bouquets of flowers lent the finishing touches of grace
that crowned Mrs. St. John's most creditable efforts to gratify the
officers and their guests.
In the evening, an amusing burlesque entertainment was produced
at the camp by an amateur negro minstrel troop, organized at Fort
Clinch, from the men of Companies A, H and G, by Sergt. John
A. Russell, of Company H, and Eli B. Grubb, of Company G, with
vocal and instrumental music, and other performances. The string
band, already referred to, composed the orchestra usually, but it was
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^^•1 FERNANDINA. CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES. 227
otherwise engaged upon this occasion, much to the regret of those
who were attracted to that entertainment.
Another gathering, of a more select order, was convened, in a
lai^ building, at the comer of Third and Centre Streets, under the
auspices of the officers at the post, who had invited a large number
of guests to a social party and grand supper, to which the presence
of about thirty ladies, members of the officers' families or of ci-
vilians at the post lent crowning grace. It was an occasion greatly
enjoyed as a contrast to the long period of service, deprived of social
entertainment and the refining influence of woman's presence, to
modify the stem asperities of duty and camp life. The arrange-
ments were of the most complete and ample order. The dancing
hall was most abundantly decorated with bunting, mostly supplied by
the naval vessels, and festooned with green vines and boughs. The
supper room above was provided with every comfort and delicacy to
be found and " all went merry as a marriage bell." The string band
was here in requisition, and earned most ample applause for its
elegant terpsichorean music to which the active feet of the dancers
kept time until it ran on into " the wee sma' hours " of the morn-
ing. The editor of the Peninsular, who was a guest, thus comments :
" We have heard but one expression in regard to the affair, and
that was of unqualified praise and delight from every guest and par-
ticipant. The officers of the 97th P. V. have reason to be proud
of, and we congratulate them upon the well-deserved favor they
have won by their gentlemanly bearing, no less than for the hos-
pitable, we might say princely, manner in which they entertained
their friends. We have not time nor space to particularize, but
must not omit to mention the fact that a goodly number of ladies,
both lovely and beautiful, graced the occasion with their presence.
We wish the officers of the 97th P. V. many happy returns of the
joyous occasion."
During the month of December, twelve enlisted men were dis-
charged, on surgeon's certificate of disability, nearly all, at Fernan-
dina, on the 9th. Two men died, at the post, of chronic diarrhoea:
Wagoner Peter J. Wonderly, Company K, on the 4th, and Private
William Malaney, Company G, on the 8th.
On New Year night, Capt. Alfred F. Sears, 1st N. Y. Eng's, en-
tertained his friends with a social party, at his residence in Old
Town, to which Col. Guss and staff, several officers of the 97th
P. V. and others on duty at the post, and many ladies and citizens
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228 HISTORY OF THE NINETT-SEVENTH REGIMENT. fJanuaiy,
were invited, enjoying a most delightful evening together, with
their host and his amiable lady, who contributed very greatly to
the success of the occasion and the gratification of their numerous
friends.
On the night of January 3, one substitute of Company B and
five of Company K deserted, and on that of the 6th, three more, of
Company H, deserted. On the folloi^ang morning, the Regiment,
under the command of Maj. Pennypacker, made a partial scout of
the island, but no clue was found to the direction they had taken,
except that a boat was missed from the boatyard, where a guard was
posted in sight. Marks of a boat shoved through the mud and
tracks of men were found one-quarter of a mile off, made either by
negroes fishing or, possibly, by the men deserting. An order was
then issued to destroy all the old boats at the post. Twenty-eight
men had deserted and only four were retaken. Double duty was
now required of the men of the Regiment. Guards from the fort
were placed at the wharf near Old Town and pickets sent out in
small boats along the inside channels to intercept the deserters.
On January 9, Maj. Gen. Q.'A. Gillmore, commanding the De-
partment of the South, visited the post of Femandina. He was re-
ceived with appropriate ceremonies at head-quarters and afterward
visited the fort and some other stations and places of interest,
accompanied by Col. H. R. Guss and officers of his. staff. Gen.
Gillmore expressed satisfaction at the order and condition of the
post and the efficiency observed in the performance of duty by the
officers and men.
About this time, 1st Lieut. Isaac Fawkes, Company D, was de-
tailed for a short time as acting assistant inspector general of post,
to relieve Adjt. Carruthers, who was occupied with the duties of
judge advocate upon court-martial at the provost marshal's head-
quarters.
On January 11, two men from each company of the Regiment
received furloughs for twenty-five days and returned to their homes.
Those who had received furloughs, in December, returned to the
Regiment on January 14.
On January 17, four deserters from the rebel army came from the
main land to the picket outpost at the railroad bridge ; they brought
their horses, accoutrements, etc. They had attended a party the
night previously, having a leave of absence from Camp Cooper for
the purpose, and left the party during the night, reaching our lines
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^^W.] FERNANDINA. . VISIT OF GENERAL GILLMORE. 229
early in the morning. They were fine-looking men, who had been
compelled to enter the rebel service and had determined to desert at
the first favorable opportunity. ^
On the 21st, about thirty additional prisoners were received by
the provost marshal. They arrived under guard, on steamer Maple
Leaf, from Hilton Head, being under sentence of confinement at
Fort Clinch.
On the same day, Sergt. Acker, of the provost guard, with a detail,
was placed in charge of several prisoners and sent to Tiger Island,
to cut timber for piles, to rebuild the wharf at Femandina. They
were provided with tents, rations, etc., and remained upon that duty
for five days, when they returned, having cut and rafted a suffi-
cient quantity of logs for that purpose. The prisoners were after-
ward employed in rebuilding the wharf and in building additional
quarters for forty-eight prisoners at the provost grounds.
On January 31, the Regiment was reviewed by Col. H. R. Guss,
and afterward inspected and mustered for pay, the detachments,
excepting the detail for the day's duty, having marched to Feman-
dina for the purpose.
During January, but two men died of disease and none were
discharged.
On February 3, Sergt. Webster A. Nichols, Corp. John B. Grif-
fith and Privates Albert James Reese and Robert Bruce Wallace,
all of Company B, started on a scout to the main land, to ascertain
the condition of the bridges on the Femandina and Pilatka Rail-
road and to examine the locality and strength of the rebel Camp
Cooper. The detail returned on the 9th, having safely and suc-
cessfully accomplished the object for which it was sent.
On Febraary 5, 2d Lieut. John Knapp, Company I, having re-
signed, was honorably discharged and returned home.
The prisoners — Wilson, Goodrich, Williams and Thompson — ar-
rested for desertion, and placed in charge of the provost marshal,
in December, 1863, were subsequently tried by a general court-mar-
tial, at Femandina, of which Maj. Pennypacker was president and
Adjt. H. W. Carruthers was judge advocate. They were ably de-
fended by Judge James M. Latta, but, the evidence being conclu-
sive, they were all convicted. Three were sentenced to be shot.
Williams, the youngest, who it was evident had been unduly in-
fluenced by the others, without having realized the consequences
of the crime of desertion, was sentenced to imprisonment at hard
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230 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SETENTH REGIMENT. [February,
labor for the balance of his term of service, with the forfeiture of all
pay and allowances except necessary clothing, and to be dishonorably
discharged at the expiration of the sentence and term of service.
On February 6, the sentences of the four deserters, convicted by
court-martial, having been forwarded to department head-quarters
for approval by the commanding general, were returned with direc-
tions to execute the terms of sentence within twenty-four hours after
receiving the order. This most painful announcement was therefore
made to the prisoners by the provost marshal, and the sentences read
to them by Adjt. Carruthers, at 3 P. M. on the 6th. The time of
execution was fixed for 3 P. M. on February 7. Every precaution
had from the first been taken to prevent the escape of the prisoners,
who were ironed and doubly guarded. Several attempts to file oiF
the irons had been detected and frustrated. During the night of
the 6th, Goodrich, being attended to the sink by a corporal, while
returning to his cell, one handcuff not having been refastened,
suddenly managed to throw off all his irons, which had evi-
dently been cut previously, and ran past the guard. The corporal
fired after him and, with others of the guard, started in pursuit. He
eluded them in the darkness and made his escape.
James Wilson and James Thompson were shot, at 3 P. M., on
the 7th, in conformity with orders received, the Regiment being
under arms and formed in line near the place of execution. The
citizens, also, were assembled to witness the painful scene. A de-
tail of twelve men, for a firing party, with a reserve of equal num-
ber, was made. This solemn and deeply painful duty was met, by
those whose province it was to obey the orders, with quiet firmness,
impressive of the stem necessity of the lesson. The prisoners met
their fate firmly and bravely.
On the 8th, three hundred men of the Regiment, under command
of Maj. Pennypacker, skirmished the entire island, from the picket
lines to the south end, searching for the escaped prisoner, Goodrich,
without success. This force passed the night on the beach, at the
end of the island, and returned to camp the next morning. The
search was continued, by the patrol and a detail of scouts, for
several days. Goodrich remained secreted, in a dense thicket,
near the town, until the 12th, when he was encountered by the pa-
trol, in the woods, and recaptured after a desperate chase and resist-
ance, being several times slightly wounded. His execution was de-
ferred until the orders of the department head-quarters could be
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] EXPEDITION TO CAMP COOPER. 231
ascertained, in the hope of a commutation of his sentence. Orders
were, however, received, on February 26, to have the sentence
carried out within twenty-four hours. He was accordingly executed,
at 3 P. M., on the 27th, under similar arrangements and attendance
as on the 7th.
On the 9th, a detachment of two hundred and ninety men of the
Regiment, commanded by Maj. Pennypacker, crossed to the main
land, at the railroad bridge, for the purpose of advancing against the
enemy, at Camp Cooper. The men were provided with two days'
cooked rations, forty rounds of ammunition, and marched in light
marching order. At dark, Maj. Penny packer's force crossed the
stream, and was ready to start inland at 8.30 P. M.
At 9 A. M., on the same day, Capt Lewis, of Company F, with
twenty-five men of his company and a detachment of sailors, from
the U. S. brig Perry, with two howitzers; also a detachment of
men from the naval schooner Para; had embarked on the steamer
Island City, with orders to proceed to the mouth of the Nassau
River and to advance up that river about fifty miles, by its course,
to a point opposite to Camp Cooper, to co-operate with the land
forces, under command of Maj. Pennypacker, the object being to
withdraw attention from the approach of the latter.
During the trip up the river, shot and shell were fired at every
point where rebel pickets might be lurking. As the steamer ap-
proached a large sawmill and dwelling, several shots were fired.
When nearing the house, a white flag was seen, which, upon close
inspection, proved to be a white petticoat fastened to a broomstick,
vigorously waved by a young lady, who stood upon a pile of slab
cuttings, by the mill. Firing was suspended and the steamer an-
chored. Lieut. Wainwright, Company F, was sent ashore, with
some men, to communicate with those he might find at the place.
The young lady met him and conducted him to the house, which
he entered, and found another lady who proved to be a Mrs. Holmes,
the wife of the mill owner. Lieut. Wainwright, observing a table
set, ready for tea, for six, inquired if there were any other persons
in the house. Receiving a negative reply, he inquired why she had
set six plates upon the table for two ladies. She became confused*
but quickly replied that she expected company to tea. The ladies
were then taken on board the steamer, to prevent their communi-
cating with the enemy. The steamer then proceeded further up
the river to a well-protected position and anchored, for the night, to
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232 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. IFebrnaiy,
await the operations of Maj. Pennypacker. The next morning, the
steamer returned, left the unwilling lady prisoners at their house,
and passed further down the river, to make connection with the
land force.
Maj. Pennypacker advaijced along the railroad about four miles,
then struck off to the left, traversing a road through a pine wood
for several miles, again came upon the railroad, his march being
guided by the assistance of Sergt. Nichols, the men who had ex-
plored the route with him, and by a Mr. Grisham and two colored
guides, who were perfectly familiar with the locality; crossed the
railroad one mile from Lofton Bridge; then proceeded /along what
was called Hart Road until passing Lofton Swamp, the headwaters
of Lofton Creek, where, at 3 A. M., Maj. Pennypacker ordered a
halt and sent forward a reconnoitering party, in addition to his ad-
vance guard, to examine the country. The scouts soon returned,
reporting that Camp Cooper was on the right of this road, about
one mile in advance.
Maj. Pennypacker then moved his battalion silently and cau-
tiously forward and formed in line on the northwest side of the
camp, disposing his force so as to close in upon three sides of it
at once. His scouts reported a few sentinels on camp guard and a
few men around the camp fires. At the first dawn of daylight,
Maj. Pennypacker led his force upon the camp. His men, sweeping
through it, found it almost deserted. A few prisoners and their
horses were captured, from whom it was learned that the force sta-
tioned there, three companies of the East Fla. Cav., commanded by
Maj. Harrison, had marched, on the 8th, to Camp Finnigan, in the
vicinity of Jacksonville. The camp was large and well located.
There being no apprehension of an attack, but few men had been
left to have a care of the property, consisting of a small amount
of inferior stores and clothing. These, together with the ofiicers'
quarters, a few rude shanties, were aH destroyed; a few trophies,
camp utensils, cavalry sabres, etc., were secured by the men.
After resting for an hour, the force started to return to Feman-
dina, reaching the drawbridge at 2 P. M. On the return march,
Maj. Pennypacker dispatched Companies B and K, under command
of Capt. Savage, of Company B, to communicate with Capt. Lewis*
force on the Nassau River, at Nassau Mills, and return with him
on the steamer. On the return trip, the forces on the Island City
shelled the woods on both sides to drive away the rebel guerrillas
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^^•^3 CAPTURE OF CAMP COOPER. 233
who were seen lurking along the banks, watching for opportunity to
fire upon the men crowded on the steamer.
Maj. Pennypacker also dispatched a small force to Clark's rebel
picket station, which found nothing except a few head of cattle in
corral. The soldiers marched well, without straggling.
An incident occurred during this expedition which is worthy of
notice, being but little known in the Regiment beyond those con-
cerned in the matter. As the steamer lay at anchor, in Nassau
River, in the early morning sunlight, the glitter of bayonets was
noticed far over the marshes up the river. After considerable specu-
lation in reference to it, in connection with the understanding that
the land forces should join the steamer somewhere on the river,
Lieut. Wainwright was directed to take a boat's crew of five sailors
and a guard of soldiers and proceed up one of the little confluent
streams which traverse the marshes, make a landing on the main
land, reconnoitre the position and ascertain the character of the
force. About a mile from the steamer a landing was effected, on a
sparsely wooded point of land, considerably covered with under-
growth.
Leaving the sailors with the boat, Lieut. Wainwright deployed
his few men. His left protected by the marsh, but his right un-
protected, he commenced a cautious forward movement up the river.
Before getting out of sight of his boat he observed men, in rebel
uniforms, advancing around his right flank, completely cutting off
his retreat. Turning toward the boat, he observed the sailors, who
had also noticed the advancing rebel uniforms, now pulling for life
toward the steamer to save themselves. The situation was ex-
tremely alarming to Lieut. Wainwright and his men. The pros-
pect of Libby and Andersonville Prisons became more inevitable as
still other rebel uniforms came pouring in on the right, but, sin-
gular enough, now mixed with the Union blue. Close observation
proved that the party was none other than a part of the force sent
against Camp Cooper, Companies B and K, of the 97th P. V., de-
tailed by Maj. Pennypacker to join the force on Nassau River and
for whom they were now waiting. The men had captured, among
other trophies, some rebel uniforms, which they had donned for the
fun of the thing, a somewhat dangerous practical joke, which, fortu-
nately, resulted without harm. A hearty laugh was indulged in all
around. The sailors were signaled to return with the boat, which
they did with considerable chagrin, much to the amusement of the
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234 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. [February,
whole party. The two companies were also taken on board the
steamer, which returned to Fernandina the same evening.
Adjt. Carruthers accompanied Maj. Pennypacker on the expedi-
tion and rendered very valuable assistance. The guides— especially
Mr. E. G. Grisham — being entirely famihar with the country, their
assistance was indispensable. The colored guides, Prince and
Charles, also rendered efficient service. Had the expedition been
undertaken a few days earlier, the result might have proved more
satisfactory. The march embraced a circuit of fifty miles within
twenty.four hours. The force reached camp at 10.30 P. M., on the
10th, the men quite ready for a night's rest.
It had been determined, by Gen. Gillmore, to send an expedi-
tion to Woodstock Mills and King's Ferry Mills, on the St. Mary's
River, Ga., for the purpose of procuring lumber and mill gearing to
be used in the department. The command of the land force was
given to Maj. Pennypacker, who received orders from Col. Guss to
march with about three hundred men of the 97th P. V. He had also
received written orders from Maj. T. B. Brooks, aid-de-camp to Gen.
Gillmore, in regard to the expedition. That officer started up the
St. Mary's River with the transports, accompanied by the U. S.
naval schooner Para, commanded by Act'g Master E. G. Furber,
the expedition being under the direction of Maj. Brooks.
On February 15, the land force left Fernandina, provided with
two days' cooked rations, forty rounds of ammunition, and in light
marching order, again accompanied by the guides, Mr. Grisham and
the negroes. Prince and Charles; crossed on the Island City to
Clark's Landing, on Amelia river, opposite Fernandina, and half an
hour before daylight commenced the march toward the Mills, dis-
tant nearly thirty-three miles. The march was made in good order,
having flankers and an advance guard well out, no straggling being
permitted. Persons living along the road, who could give informal
tion, were obUged to march with the column until it arrived at its
destination, which was reached at sunset. It was a hard day's
march and the road unusually difficult. The men became somewhat
jaded and footsore, but the march was not materially retarded.
When within two miles of the Mills, twenty picked men, under
Lieut. CosgriflF, Company F, were sent forward, through bypaths, to
surprise and capture the enemy's picket post, supposed to be sta-
tioned at the Mills. The object was to prevent the lumber being
fired, it having been reported that a picket was kept on the watch,
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IW^J EXPEDITION TO WOODSTOCK AND KING'S FERRY MILLS. 235
with orders to bum the lumber and mills on the approach of any
Union force. Lieut. Cosgriff and his men reached there without
encountering any force and in ample time to baffle any attempt to
destroy the property by the residents. Upon the arrival of Maj.
Pennypacker's command, he threw out pickets along the river for
nearly a mile; also on the Georgia side for half a mile, and the
same distance to the rear of his position, on the south side of the
river posted guards for the protection of private property, and then
bivouacked his command.
On the following morning, the men, under direction of Mr. Sharp,
an experienced raftsman, set to work building rafts of the lumber
found at Woodstock Mills, said to belong to the estate of Mr. Edwin
Alberti, deceased. Experienced negro raftsmen also accompanied
the expedition to assist in making rafts.
Picket duty was constantly maintained to guard against surprise,
requiring active vigilance, being far from support in the enemy's
country. Upon one occasion, while Company A was on picket, on
the road leading toward Jacksonville, about midnight, the sound of
approaching steps was heard by the guard on duty, and a mass of
moving objects could be discerned in the darkness. The number
seemed to indicate a body of troops coming cautiously toward the
line. Leveling his piece, the guard commanded a "halt!" in a loud
determined tone, intending to fire if the command was not instantly
complied with. It was, however, promptly obeyed. " Who comes
there ] " was called by the guard. The response rang out upon the
midnight air, " Oh, massa, we is colored people." It was ascertained
to be a party of eleven contrabands, men, women and children,
ragged, hungry and cold, seeking a refuge from the unrelenting
fetters of a merciless bondage. They were sent to head-quarters
and provided with food and shelter, much to their delight and grati-
tude.
Maj. Brooks, with the transports, reached the Mills during the
afternoon of the 16th. Under his direction, the work was continued
nntil the 20th, when he relinquished the charge of the entire com-
mand to Maj. Pennypacker and returned to Femandina. A large
amount of lumber, most of it very valuable, was sent to Fernan-
dina, from the Woodstock and King's Ferry Mills, near to the
former. The property at the latter was said to have belonged to
a Mr. Germond, whose abandoned residence was near by.
Lieut. J. T. Skiles, Company B, served as acting^adjutant. Asst.
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236 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. [February,
Surgeon W. C. Morrison accompanied the detachment to give the
requisite attention to those who might require his services.
Two rebel deserters, four refugees and about twenty-five negroes
came inside the lines at the Mills, and were sent to Femandina to
report to the provost marshal. Two prisoners, captured on the
march to the Mills, were also sent under guard to the provost mar-
shal. They were supposed to belong to the rebel army, but were
subsequently released.
While operating at Woodstock Mills, Maj. Pennypacker dis-
patched Company F, under command of Capt. Lewis, on a raid on
the Georgia side of the river, for the purpose of effectually destroy-
ing the telegraph communication between Tallahassa, Fla., and Sa^
vannah, Ga. It had already been cut in one or two places, but
communication had been kept up by a new and temporary connec-
tion that eluded discovery. The object was successfiilly accomplished
by following the line from Traders' Hill, near King's Ferry Mills,
along the river and across the swamps for a distance of nearly fifteen
miles without interruption by the enemy. The new connection was
finally discovered at a point where a wire branched off into a hollow
tree so close to the line as to almost defy detection. The wire led off
from the roots of the tree into the swamp, and thence by a concealed
route to reconnect with the line beyond the part destroyed.* A
rebel mail carrier was captured during the raid and his mail secured.
On the return march, a portion of the rebel G^n. Clinch's command
was ascertained to be making an attempt to intercept Capt. Lewis'
command, but he effected his return to the Mills in safety.
On February 22, Maj. Pennypacker received orders to return with
his entire force to Femandina with all possible dispatch. The order
was in consequence of the disaster to the forces under Gen. Seymour,
at Olustee, Fla., on February 20. During the preparations for de-
parture, a rebel cavalry force, that had several times appeared on the
Georgia side approaching the line of pickets for the purpose of ob-
servation, made some demonstrations of advance. Maj. Pennypacker
sent Company B, with ten men of Company A, under command of
Capt. Savage, Company B, across the St. Mary's River to reconnoi-
tre the situation beyond the picket. After going a short distance,
they encountered and drove in rebel pickets, consisting of cavalry
and infantry. Going some distance further without meeting any
larger force, Capt. Savage returned, having three men of Company
B wounded slightly, viz.: Corp. James Jackson, in foot, Private
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^^^'1 EXPEDITION TO WOODSTOCK AND KING'S FERRY MILLS. 237
Henry A. Lamping, in left ankle, and Private Joseph Schrobenthal,
in foot.
Having embarked his troops on the steamers Island City and
Harriet A. Weed, Maj. Pennypacker started to return, the
schooner Para being taken in tow by the Harriet A. Weed. Four
rafts, that were ready to have been towed down the river, were cut
adrift in order that they might float down with the tide. The ex-
pedition reached Femandina, on the 23d, without casualty during
the absence of the force except the instances previously noted.
About one million five hundred thousand feet of lumber had been
secured by the troops.
The schooner Para captured a small river steamer, named Hard
Times, of little value — a kind of scow with a small engine. While
on the expedition, rations were sometimes short, when some com-
plaint, mingled with many very amusing practical jokes, occurred
among the men; they were, however, always obedient and cheerful,
being disposed to make the best of circumstances.
An account of the expedition which appeared in the New South,
a paper published at Hilton Head, S. C, dated March 5, 1864, is
mainly correct in its statements :
"One of the most successfal raids, for one executed by a small force of men,
that has taken place in this department, was accomplished by the 97th Pennsyl-
Tania Regiment in the early part of last week. The entire expedition was under
the command of Maj. Brooks, of Gen. Oillmore's staff. It was so planned that
the troops comprising the expedition should reach the point of destination at
about the same time as did the Independent Battalion, Mass. Cav., under the
command of Maj. Stevens, which started from Barber's, Fla., on Sunday morning,
February 14. ^
*' At night, of the same day, three hundred men of the 97th P. Y., commanded
by Maj. G. Pennypacker, crossed the river at Femandina, Fla., to the opposite
shore. They then marched up that side of the St. Mary's River, keeping
as near its bank as practicable, until they came to King's Ferry, the point of
destination and which is distant from Femandina forty-five miles. On the march
op they met with no opposition, although they expected and were prepared to
enconnter more or less of the enemy.
"On the morning of the following Tuesday, two hundred others, of the 97th
P. v., embarked on board four army transports, including the Harriet A. Weed,
which carried three guns, and proceeded up the St. Mary's River, also bound for
King's Ferry. The transports were accompanied by one mortar schooner, the
Para. Maj. Brooks went with the river force, on the Harriet A. Weed. On the
passage up the river, several shots were fired into the woods, on either side, for
the purpose of annoying the enemy, but the firing failed to bring any rebols to
view. * * *
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238 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. [Februaryi
" The main object of the expedition was to seize a large quantity of lumber that
was in the vicinity of the ferry, information of which had reached Gen Gillmore,
who ordered the raid to be made. In this respect, the expedition could not have
been more successful. At the ferry above, was found seven hundred thousand
feet of the best prepared pine, and, about six miles further up, an additional eight
hundred thousand feet. A widow lady, Mrs. Alberti, claims ownership of the
lumber at the ferry. She resides there and professes to be a strong adherent to
the Union. She said three years ago she could havfe readily disposed of the
lumber for $50,000. Her case will, of course, be investigated and her claim re-
ceive due attention.
"In five days, fully one half of the lumber had been rafted and tx)wed down
to Fernandina. Besides the rafts of lumber, the decks of the steamers wert
loaded. St. Mary's River being very serpentine, it was by no means an easy
matter to pilot a steamer with rafts in tow. In one instance, a raft became de-
tached and floated under the wheels of the Nelly Baker, causing a breakage of
three paddles; the accident, however, did not prevent the steamer from pro-
ceeding on her trip."
Another account of the expedition appeared, February 25, 1864,
in the Peninsular, a paper published at Fernandina, Fla. After
giving a description of the mills and the object of the expedition,
thus refers to the part performed by the 97th P. V.:
"* * * To prevent the destruction of the property by the rebels, on
the approach of our boats, a detachment, from the 97th P. V., under command
of that brave and accomplished young officer, Maj. G. Pennypacker, of that
Regiment, was dispatched overland, a distance of nearly forty miles, through
ponds, creeks and woods, accomplishing the entire distance in about twelve
hours, capturing on their way the notorious guerilla, Capt. Wilds, who strenu-
ously denied that he was the man, but was forced to yield himself up. on the
testimony of a man who had formerly been his slave, and who clinched the
matter with: *You tink I don'f know you, when you own me so long?'
"The detachment arrived in time and secured possession of the property. The
boats steamed their way slowly up the river, shelling all suspicious places on the
banks as they advanced. On their arrival, the men were immediately put to
work constructing rafts, loading the boats and some scows found there.
" At this time, the best portion of the lumber has been landed at the wharves
here and at Hilton Head, a vessel load having been sent to that place. The
success of the expedition is in striking contrast with similar ones, planned at a
previous period, by different parties, for the St. John's, which resulted in giving
the rebels timely notice of their approach bo that they kindled large fires in
honor of their coming, which, unfortunately, consumed not only the lumber but
the mills which sawed it. * * *"
During the absence of Maj. Pennypacker's command, the other
companies of the Regiment . were paid, on February 19, by Maj.
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18W.] RETURN FROM WOODSTOCK AND KING'S FERRY MILLS. 239
Edmund J. Porter, paymaster U. S. Vols., who remained until the
return of the St. Mary's expedition, when those companies were
also paid for the two months ending December 31. 1863. Maj.
Porter was an agreeable, accommodating gentlemian, very pleasing
to the men. Desirous of avoiding mistakes, he insisted upon their
counting their money before Leaving the pay table.
On February 20, Brev. Lieut Cols. Michael R. Morgan and
Richard R. Jackson, of Gen. Gillmore's staff, the latter inspector
general of the department, inspected the sanitary condition of the
post hospital. They pronounced it in the best condition of any
visited by them and complimented Dr. Everhart, post surgeon, very
highly for admirable management and success in bringing his de-
partment into such order and excellent condition. The post hos-
pital and regimental quarters were inspected, on previous occasions,
by Lieut. Col. Peter Pino, medical inspector, U. S. A., and Surgeons
Horace R. Wirtz and Ebenezer Swift, U. S. A., all of whom attested
their high appreciation of the excellent sanitary condition at the
post. Adj. Carruthers, acting assistant inspector general of the post,
regularly inspected the quarters, company and regimental property
and all public departments at the post.
On February 21, news of the defeat of Gen. Seymour, at Olustee,
on the 20th, reached Fernandina. This intelligence caused the with-
drawal of Maj. Pennypacker's command from Woodstock Mills, as
already stated. Reaching Fernandina late on the evening of the
23d, the naval vessels incautiously fired their guns, shot and shell
charged, across the swamps, causing considerable alarm at the post
which for a time created apprehensions of attack by the enemy.
Subsequently, a reconnoisance was made up the St. Mary's River,
by the steamer Island City, having on board Company F of the 97th
P. v., commanded by Capt D. W. C. Lewis. At the village of
St. Mary's, they encountered and drove away the enemy's pickets^
and brought off a large boiler-iron chimney from one of the mills
in that place, which was sent to Jacksonville, for use in one of the
government sawmills there. After procuring the chimney, the
steamer proceeded several miles up the river searching for the rafts
of lumber that had been set adrift when the forces left Woodstock
Mills.
On February 24, Surgeon John R. Everhart, having received a
short leave of absence, his first since entering the service, started
home.
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240 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. [February,
On February, 25, Lieut. John McGrath was relieved from duty, in
the commissary department, by Lieut. Henry Odiome, Company D.
On the 26th, the men who had received furloughs in January re-
turned to the Regiment.
During February, there was but one man discharged. Chandler
Miller, substitute, of Company C, by order of Secretary of War,
Special Order No. 51, dated War Department, Adjutant General's
Office, Washington, D. C, February 2, 1864. He was under
eighteen years of age, and had entered the service without the con-
sent of his parents.
Daniel Morgan, Company E, died, on the 26th, of consumption.
On March 5, Col. H. R. Guss and Capt. Price, provost marshal,
wth part of Company C, on the steamer Island City, went to Clark's
Landing, having with them a refugee from the rebel district who
came over at the railroad bridge, on the 2d. He had arranged with
his family, before leaving them, to come to Clark's at that time.
For some cause they failed to get there. They subsequently came,
and, making signals which were observed, a boat was dispatched
which brought them safely to Fernandina.
On the 12th, Conscript William Wilkins, Company C, who had
several times attempted to desert, and had been kept in confinement
for a time, managed to elude the guard and secret himself upon the
steamer Boston before leaving the wharf for Jacksonville. When
it was discovered that he was missing, a boat was sent through the
inland channel, Back River, to intercept the Boston on the St. John's
River. The pursuing party, commanded by Lieut. F. J. Eachus,
Company C, met the Boston, but failed to find the deserter, who
was never recaptured. It is supposed he managed to effectually con-
ceal his presence on the boat, and escaped to the enemy, at Jackson-
ville. Capt. Johnson afforded every facility for this search, and
there was no blame attached to any of his officers, the conceal-
ment being wholly a success of the deserter, aided perhaps by some
of the subordinates among the crew.
Early in January, 1864, efforts were made by the War Depart-
ment to induce the men, whose term of service would expire during
the current year, to re-enlist as veterans. General Order No. 190,
dated Adjutant General's Office, War Department, Washington, D.
C, June 25, 1863, authorized the re-enlistment of men who had less
than one year to serve. The order not being fully promulgated in
the department until late in November, but few men had re-enlisted.
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^^] FERNANDINA. RE-ENLISTMENT OF VETERANS. 241
With a view to more active interest in this direction, it was deter-
mined to appoint a recruiting officer for each regiment that had
served over two years. To this duty, 1st Lieut. James T. Skiles,
Company B, was appointed about January 12. Additional induce-
ments of bounty and a thirty days' furlough were announced. Great
interest began now to be manifested by the men. The time of re-
enlistment having been extended to March 1, three hundred and
thirty-seven of the men originally enlisted, and recruits, who had
served over two years, now re-enlisted for three years or during the
war. A large number of the recruits, who had not quite reached
the requisite time of service, were desirous of re-enlisting, but could
not do so under the order. The number re-enlisted in each com-
pany was as follows: Company A, twenty-one; Company B, forty-
three; Company C, ten; Company D, fifty-one; Company E, twenty-
five; Company F, forty-five; Company G, thirty-five. Company H,
thirty-two; Company I, thirty-six; Company K, thirty-seven; non-
commissioned staff, one; total, three hundred and thirty-seven. In
some of the companies, the re-enlistments included every eligible
man who passed the surgeon's examination.
On March 16, the veterans were remustered into the service (to
date from the day previous to enrollment as veterans) by 1st Lieut.
Martin Van Buren Richardson, 4th N. H. Vols., assistant commis-
sary of musters, who came to the post for the purpose, the men
each receiving a discharge before being remustered. The non-com-
missioned officers were reappointed, to date from re-enlistment, new
warrants being issued by the colonel commanding.
On March 27, the veterans, under command of Capt. William S.
Mendenhall, Company D, embarked on the steamer Delaware to
proceed to Hilton Head, to take passage for New York. Their fiir-
loughs, of thirty days, were to date from the time of arrival at
West Chester, to be duly issued by their company officers. The
names of these veterans will be found properly designated upon the
record rolls.
As the veterans left the harbor of Fernandina, on the evening of
the 27th, they were heartily cheered by their comrades, who reluc-
tantly remained behind. The following officers of the Regiment
accompanied the veterans upon their return: Ass't Surgeon Morri
son; Capt. Savage and Lieut. Skiles, Company B; Lieuts. Eachus,
Company C; Wainwright, Company F; Yamall, Company G.
They remained encamped at Hilton Head about a week, during
16
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242 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. t^P^'
which time they received their pay and bounty. Before starting,
they were joined by Col. Guss and Adjt. Carruthers, who had each
received a leave of absence to accompany the veterans home, this
being the first time Col. Guss had been absent from his command
since entering the service. His daughter and cousin, Mrs. War-
ner, who had spent the winter with him, at Femandina, also re-
turned home.
Lieut. CoL Duer went to Hilton Head, at this time, to confer
with the department commander, in regard to his resignation, ten-
dered some time previously.!
When leave of absence was granted to Post Adjt. H. W. Car-
rruthes, 2d Lieut. Henry Kauffman, Jr., Company C, was detailed,
by order of Col. H. R. Guss, as acting post adjutant and acting ad-
jutant 97th P. V. until the return of Adjt. Carruthers.
During March, 1864, there were no discharges nor any deaths in
the Regiment.
Upon the departure of Col. Guss, from Femandina, on April 2,
Maj. Pennypacker assumed command of the post, pursuant to the
following order:
Head-Quarters U. S. Forces, Fernandina, Fla., April 2, 1864.
General Orders No. 10:
The undersigned, being the senior officer at the post, hereby as-
sumes command of the U. S. forces at Femandina, Fla.
All existing orders will continue in force until formally rescinded
or modified by subsequent orders.
[Signed] G. Pennypacker,
Major 97th P. V., Comdt. Post.
Lieut. Col. Duer returned to Femandina, about April 6, but did
not assume command at the post. Having tendered his resigna-
tion, on account of a chronic complaint, necessitating a change of
climate, he was in daily expectation of receiving notice of its ac-
ceptance. This notice being received about the 7th, he was honor-
ably discharged the service and retumed home on the 9th.
The vacancy occasioned by his resignation was filled by the pro-
motion of Maj. G. Pennypacker to lieutenant colonel. The senior
captain, Isaiah Price, Company C, was then promoted to major of
the Regiment. Some delay occurred in forwarding their commis-
sions. Those officers, however, entered upon the duties of their ap-
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IWI] PERNANDINA. RESIGNATIONS AND PROMOTIONS. 243
pointment and were subsequently authorized to take rank in their
respective grades from April 3, 1864. Adjt. Carruthers was also
promoted to captain, Company C, but owing to the delay referred
to in receiving commissions, and being subsequently prevented from
muster, by casualties that delayed the muster of the above-named
field officers, he continued to perform the duties of adjutant.
The usual post and garrison duty was continued without particular
incident to note.
On April 10, ten enlisted men were discharged, on surgeon's
certificate of disability. One of the number. Private Jacob H.
Bavington, Company A, being unable to leave his bed, died, ten
days later, of hemorrhage of the lungs. Alexander Graham, sub-
stitute of Company H, died, of heart disease, same date. When the
Regiment was relieved, at Fernandina, another substitute, Samuel
StiUweD, Company F, was left at Fort Clinch, under sentence of
court-martial, having refused to perform duty. He died of con-
sumption. These men were buried in the cemetery near Old Town.
On April 13, 2d Lieut. Henry Odiorne, Company D, acting post
commissary, since February 25, was relieved, by order of Gen. Gill-
more and directed to report to Capt. and Brev. Lieut. Col. Michael
R. Morgan, U. S. A., chief commissary of subsistence at Hilton
Head, by whom he was detailed as acting commissary of subsistence
of the 2d brigade, 1st division, 10th Corps, upon which duty he
continued until about August 1.
On the 18th, the Regiment was paid by Maj. E. J. Porter, pay
master U. S. Vols., for the two months ending February 29, 1864.
Previous promotions of line officers had now made vacancies
for the advancement of a number of worthy non-commissioned offi-
cers. Commissions were received for the following, several of whom
were absent on veteran furlough: 1st Sergt. Abel Griffith, Company
A, to be 1st lieutenant, vice Peace, resigned; Sergt. Isaac J. Bur-
ton, same company, to be 2d lieutenant, vice Weber, transferred;
1st Sergt. Jacob G. Lowry, Company B, to be 2d lieutenant, vice
Skiles, promoted; Ist Sergt. George W. DufFee, Company I, to be
2d lieutenant, vice Knapp, resigned ; 1st Lieut. Samuel V. Black,
Com{^uiy K, to be captain, vice Wayne, resigned; 1st Sergt. Levi
L March, same company, to be 2d lieutenant, vice 2d Lieut. Samuel
V. Black, promoted to 1st lieutenant. Several of these appoint-
ments had been announced some time previously ; the commissions
being delayed, a second promotion in some instances occurred.
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244 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. [AprU,
On April 22, the steamer Monohansett arrived at Fernandina,
having on board the 157th N. Y., commanded by Col. P. P. Brown,
with orders to relieve the 97th P. V.
Maj. Pennypacker then issued the following order to his com-
mand:
Head-Quarters U. S. Forces, Fernandina, Fla., April 22, 1864.
General Orders No. 13.
The 97th P. V., now at this post, having been ordered to be re-
lieved by the 157th N. Y., commanding officers of companies and
detachments will at once prepare their commands for departure.
Four (4) days' cooked rations will be provided, two (2) days of
which will be in haversacks.
Staff officers, accountable for public property belonging to the
post, will turn over such property to their respective successor.
This will be accomplished as expeditiously as possible.
Officers commanding outposts, provost or picket guards, will care-
fully turn over all written and oral instructions when relieved; and,
after loading their baggage upon the wagons sent to them, march
their commands, if detachments, to their respective company head-
quarters; if companies, to the camp of the 97th P. V., at this place.
Companies A and G will go on board the transport at Sear's
Dock; the other companies at Fernandina.
Surplus ordnance stores will be carefully packed, in order that
they may not be injured by transportation. Baggage, other than
company and regimental property, will be reduced as much as
possible ; nothing to be taken that is not essentially requisite.
All officers and enlisted men on special or daily duty at, or who
are detailed by orders from the head-quarters of this post are here-
by relieved, and will report as soon as practicable to their imme-
diate commanders.
By order of Maj. G. Penntpacker.
[Signed] Henry Kauffman, Jr.,
2d Lieut. 97th P. V., Post Adj.
In conformity with the foregoing order, the officers therein en-
joined promptly fulfilled its requirements and were ready to embark,
early on the morning of the 23d, within about twenty hours after
notification; all having their accounts, papers, etc., properly made
out and the property duly transferred to their respective successors.
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^^^] DEPARTURE FROM FERNANDINA. 245
In addition to the property and responsibilities transferred by the
provost marshal, there were one hundred and nine prisoners in his
charge to be turned over to his successor, Capt. J. Clayton Atwater,
157th N. Y. Vols., with a list of the names, company and regiment
of each man, with the papers recording the action of the courts-
martial in each case.
Mr. John F. Forrest, regimental sutler, remained behind to close
up his business and dispose of his stock. He did not again rejoin
the Regiment. After returning home, he engaged in business, in
Philadelphia, where he continues at the present time.
Having been duly relieved by the 157th N. Y. Vols., the 97th
P. V, embarked on the steamer Monohansett, during the afternoon
of the 23d, and was ready to go to sea at 5 P. M.; but the weather
being very rough, the steamer small and quite crowded, it was de-
cided to anchor off Old Femandina for the night.
At 6 A. M., on Sunday, the 24th, though still cloudy and rough,
started to sea, ran out about ten miles, but, the storm being on the
increase, the steamer was put about to return. A dense fog soon
settled upon the coast, rendering it impossible to sight the buoys at
the entrance to the harbor. Fortunately, the steamer ran close on
the outer one, which enabled the pilot to make the entrance, thus
narrowly avoiding a perilous time in the fog on a treacherous coast.
At 5 P. M., the weather being clear, though the sea was still
quite rough, the steamer was again started for Port Royal. After
a rough and uncomfortable night at sea, on a small, overcrowded,
unseaworthy craft, the Regiment arrived safely at Hilton Head, at
10 A. M., on April 25, where the steamer cast anchor in the home-
like harbor of Port Royal.
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246 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. ^^P"^'
CHAPTER VIII.
Army of the James; Capture of City Point; Advance through
Bermuda Hundred; Richmond and Petersburg Railroad and
Telegraph Destroyed; Swift Creek, Drury's Bluff, Fort
Darling and Foster's Place; April 26 to May 20, 1864.
PON reporting his arrival at head-quarters, Lieut.
Col. Pennypacker received orders to transfer his
Regiment to the splendid ocean steamer North
Star, on board of which the 3d N. H., embarked
at the same time. Being the senior officer in
rank, Lieut. Col. Pennypacker assumed command
of the troops on board, having received directions
to proceed to Fortress Monroe, to join the main
portion of Gen. Gillmore's command, then ordered
to Virginia to take part in movements being organized there. The
steamer started at 10 A. M. on the 26th. While the men were
being transferred to the North Star, it became evident that some of
the conscripts and substitutes had obtained access to a supply of
whisky. Very soon, scenes of wild disorder commenced below,
among some of the most turbulent of the roughs. Capt. Hawkins,
officer of the day, went down, and, with the assistance of some of
the other officers, arrested with considerable difficulty about a dozen
of the most riotous. These were disarmed, taken forward and
placed under guard. Efforts were then made to find out the source
from whence the ardent was being obtained. Meanwhile, one of the
men under guard dashed wildly from confinement, seized a musket
and came charging with fixed bayonet toward Lieut. Col. Penny-
packer and Capts. Hawkins and Price. Capt. Hawkins ordered him
to halt, at the same time drawing his revolver. Disregarding the
command, the man still came on. Capt. Hawkins again cried out,
" Haiti or you are dead man," which having no effect, he fired just
as the man was within a few feet of him. He fell heavily to the
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*^ J TRAJf SPORT NORTH STAR. GLOUCESTER POINT, 247
deck. The ball had passed directly through him, entering the right
breast, near the median line, and coming out below the shoulder
blade. It was thought the wound was mortal. He was placed upon
a stretcher and sent immediately ashore to the general hospital.*
It was soon found that whisky was being supplied by the coal
heavers, who, having secreted several demijohns under the coal, in
New York, were selling it to the men at fabulous prices — some had
paid ten dollars per canteen. A coal heaver, whose movements
awakened suspicion, was captured with five of them stowed in the
pockets of an old overcoat, while on his way to deliver his contracts.
He was turned over to the ship's captain for punishment, but that
officer stating his inability to punish without subjecting himself to
arrest and civil process, upon returning to New York, the man was
placed in charge of Capt. Hawkins, officer of the day, for punish-
ment He was then placed in irons and secured to a prominent
position in view of the men and the crew, where he was confined
during the voyage to Fortress Monroe. This effectually stopped
the traffic in whisky and its resulting disorder.
At Fortress Monroe, Va., on the morning of the 28th, Maj.
Pennypacker landed and proceeded to the head-quarters of Brev.
Maj. Geh. A. H. Terry, where he received orders to join Gen. But-
ler's command, then at Gloucester Point, Va., organizing for an ex-
pedition up the James River.
Asst. Surgeon George W. Miller, having been discharged, at
Hilton Head, S. C, on April 26, to accept promotion, left the Regi-
ment, at Fortress Monroe. He was subsequently appointed to
the charge of Summit House Hospital, near Philadelphia. Capt.
W. McConneU, Company E, having resigned, on account of failing
health, was honorably discharged, on the 26th, and returned to his
home, at West Chester. Capt. George R. Guss, who had remained
with the Regiment, at Femandina, also returned home from Fortress
*Nothio£^ was beard of bim until about two niontbs afterward, wben a man
came into Capt. Hawkins tent, at tbe front, and holding out bis band, said, "Well,
captain, how are youf " Capt. Hawkins replied, *'I am well enough, but I don't
tbink I know you." He replied, ** Why, I am tbe man you shot on the North
Star. I was drunk, and expect I deserved it; but I'm all right now and ready for
daty." The man belonged to Capt. Hawkins' company. His wound, made by a
8mall conical ball, bad closed without causing any considerable hemorrhage, the
internal wound being drained while he lay upon bis back. There had been but
little inflammation — his recovery had been rapid and complete.
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248 HISTORY OF THE NINETY- SEVENTH REGIMENT. [April,
Monroe. The following enlisted men, discharged, at Fernandina,
on surgeon's certificate of disability, having accompanied the Regi-
ment to this point, bade adieu to their comrades and returned home :
Privates John W. Dowlin and Joseph L. Thomas, Company A;
Amor N. Chalfant, Company B; Patrick Collins, Thomas Dallas,
and Michael Dunlavy, Company E; Joseph R. Richardson, Com-
pany F; Corp. Thomas W. Dumall, Company H, and Private
James Lafferty, Company I. Drum Maj. St. John, being unable
to march, received a fiirlough and returned with these discharged
men, accompanied by Mrs. St. John, who now parted regretfully
and with emotion from "her boys," as she used to call those for
whose welfare she had cared so long and so faithfully.
The North Star reached Gloucester Point on the evening of the
28th. The troops landed and marched about two miles to encamp
on the banks of York River, in an old tobacco field. The 55th
P. v., being encamped near by, furnished the Regiment with hot
coffee and extended to it a cordial welcome, which was gladly re-
ceived as coming from old friends. The men were now furnished
with shelter tents. About thirty thousand troops were encamped
near together and were being thoroughly refitted for active service.
The 10th Corps was reorganized. The 97th P. V. was placed in
the 3d brigade, 3d division. The brigade, consisting of the 55th
and 97th P. V., 4th N. H. and the 8th and 9th Maine, was com-
manded by Col. Richard White, of the 55th P. V.; the division by
Brig. Gen. Adelbert Ames and the corps by Maj. Gen. Q. A. Gill-
more, a commander greatly beloved by the troops of the 10th Corps,
that served in the campaign upon Morris Island, in 1863.
Surgeon John R. Everhart, 97th P. V., was appointed acting
brigade surgeon, and Qr Mr. David Jones, 97th P. V., as acting
assistant quarter-master, at the head-quarters of the 10th Corps,
remaining until near the expiration of his term of service. 1st
Lieut. John McGrath, Company E, 97th P. V., was detailed as
regiment quarter-master; 2d Lieut. Henry Odiorne, Company D,
was already detailed as acting commissary of subsistence, on the
staff* of Brig. Gen. Robert S. Foster, commanding 2d brigade, 1st
division, 10th Corps. He rejoined the Regiment in August.
Early on the morning of the 30th, there was a general inspection
of the Regiment by Lieut, Col. Pennypacker, after which there was
a grand review of all the troops at Gloucester Point, by Maj. G«n.
B. F. Butler, accompanied by Maj. Gens. Q. A. Gillmore and W.
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ISW.] ORGANIZATION OF THE ARMY OF THE JAMES. 249
F. Smith and Brev. Maj. Gen. A. H. Terry, with their respective
staff officers. It was an imposing display of about thirty thousand
men in line, and occupied from 11 A. M. until dark. The march
in review was in column by division. The men moved with the
steadiness of veterans and received the admiration of the major
general commanding.
On the 31st, the 97th P. V. was inspected by a captain of the
9th Maine, and mustered for pay by Lieut. Col. Pennypacker.
On the night of May 2, a severe storm of wind and rain, accom-
panied by thunder and lightning, swept over the encampment,
prostrating the slight shelter tents of the men and the officers'
larger tents, completely drenching everybody.
While at Gloucester Point, the troops were each day occupied in
brigade and regimental drill, the companies being deployed in turn
as skirmishers, and in all respects trained for the active campaign
upon which they were about to enter.
On May 4, marching orders were received and the embarkation
of troops commenced. All was activity in the camps; officers
hurrying back and forth with orders in preparation for the exodus.
At 2 P. M., the 97th P. V. broke camp, marched to the landing and
embarked on the transport Kingston. The 10th Corps being all
on board the transports, anchored off Yorktown, Va.
The expedition left Yorktown, about 10 P. M., on the 4th, and
at daybreak, on the 5th, had anchored in Hampton Roads, Va.
About twenty or thirty sick men were left in the hospital, at
Fortress Monroe. At 6 A. M., the entire fleet weighed anchor at
the signal from Gen. Butler's flag steamer, James Powell, and moved
toward the mouth of James River, where the gunboats and moni-
tors of the naval force lay ready to proceed up the river. It was a
grand sight, the starting of over one hundred transports crowded
with men, moving in procession up the broad river, so long closed
against all craft bearing the banner that now was proudly floating
at every masthead of the fleet.
At Newport-Newce,* there was a regiment of colored troops
♦Called by some Newport's News, from the first observance of the approach
of Capt. Newport's supply ship, for the relief of the colony at Jamestown. By
others, Newport-Newce, a compound of the names of Capt. Newport and Sir
William Newce, a leading roan and a marshal of Virginia, spelled Neuse in the
earlier histories and later Newce — Lossing's Civil War, Vol. I., page 500.
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260 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. t^^-
stationed. The country on either side of the river, beautiful and
flourishing under culture, presented none of the ravages of war.
Men at work in the fields were surprised at the sudden appearance
of the fleet. In some instances, they hastily unhitched their teams
and fled, while in others they quietly observed the fleet. Groups of
watchers were also observed about the houses, mostly women, who
could be plainly seen by the aid of a field glass, evidently not well
pleased with the approach of the imposing armament. In one
instance, white hand-
kerchiefs were . waved,
evincing a loyalty that
was duly honored by
the dipping of bunting
and the waving of hats
and handkerchiefs (the
latter some shades from
white) by the men on
the transports. At 3
BATTBBT AND CHUBCH TOWBB. SITE OP JAMB8T0WV. ?• M., paSSed JameS-
town, now only a deso-
lated ruin. A few crumbling chimneys and the dilapidated tower of
the ancient church, in which the early settlers worshiped, are all
that is left to mark the site of the first settlement in the Old
Dominion. Near it a battery, erected by the enemy, also de-
serted, already belongs to the past. Such is history ! Its new plow-
share now turns up this old relic of the earliest colonial province
to the view of thousands familiar with its traditions, who will re-
ceive inspiration from the suggestive lesson of its decay. May not
these eventful influences, crystallizing into action the story of to-
day— ^with its more than a hundred keels of an armed fleet, passing
up this broad and beautiful river, bearing forty thousand stal-
wart men to the defence of an imperiled nation — ^present, in time
to come, an equally impressive contrast. From this, the children of
the future city, that may arise above these ruins, based upon truer
sources of prosperity and permanence, shall draw a moral as they
reap the fruits, resulting from the eventftd struggle of a free enlight-
ened people in their heroic efforts to preserve the blessings of na-
tional integrity. Our fathers pledged each other in solemn compact
to maintain and defend these, by their lives and sacred honor, as the
last hope and refuge of justice and human equality. Thus, and thus
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l^W.] JAMES RIVER. CAPTURE OP CITY POINT. 251
only, shall we perpetuate the untold blessings of so glorious an in-
heritance, by wresting it from the grasp of those who would spread
over all the domain of our beautiful land the mildew and curse that
have wrought the ruin and desolation of deserted Jamestown.
At 6 P. M., the rear portion of the fleet had reached Harrison's
Landing. The gunboats had advanced to City Point, Va., followed
by a few of the transports. At this point, Gen. Butler's steamer,
James Powell, returned to order forward some of the transports
with troops to occupy City Point, which had been captured by the
navatl fleet throwing a few shell, which caused the rebels to hurry
away. Some of the vessels ran up to the mouth of the Appomat-
tox, to anchor for the night, the Kingston, with the 97th P. V.,
being of the number. The larger portion anchored oflF City Point,
Gen. Heckman's brigade of Gen. Weitzel's division of the 1 8th
Corps landed during the night, and, after driving the rebel pickets,
bivouacked near the landing.
Early on the morning of the 6th, the 10th Corps and the re-
mamder of 18th Corps disembarked at Bermuda Hundred Landing,
on the south side of James River, three miles above the mouth of
the Appomattox. The march inland was commenced immediately,
the men having barely time to make coffee before starting. The
force being divided into three columns, advanced by three routes,
the nght column having its right flank covered by the James River;
its left joined the centre column, which moved with its right flank
joining the right column and its left flank meeting the left column,
which joined its right with the centre column and extended its left
flank to the Appomattox. Gen. Heckman's brigade being on the
extreme left, advanced toward Point of Rocks, and after some skir-
mishing, during a three hours' march, halted at a rebel signal sta-
tion, capturing the new rebel signal code, equipments, etc.
It was a very warm, sultry morning. The men soon began to
throw away their extra clothing, blankets, knapsacks, etc., the road
being strewn thickly with articles of clothing abandoned by the
men. Orders had been issued, requiring the men to be provided
with an extra pair of new shoes for the march. These were also
thrown away. It was estimated that nearly twenty thousand pairs
were lost. Wagon loads of shoes and clothing were seen later in
the day, having been picked up by the inhabitants who remained
and seemed loyal. After marching about three miles, the 3d division
of the 10th Corps, which had been advancing with the centre column,
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252 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. 1^*^'
was ordered to return about a mile, to make a detour by a lateral
road toward the left. This occasioned a very tiresome and difficult
march, having to explore and skirmish the way as the advance was
made. The men were very much exhausted by fatigue and the
heat. At 12 o'clock, a halt was ordered; the men were allowed to
rest in the woods and have coffee made, the first partaken of on
that day by most of the men.
After the march was resumed, about 3 P. M., Gen. Butler rode
past and was heartily cheered as he passed toward the front. The
5th N. Y. Art'y also passed the corps while halted, about 4 P. M.,
and occupied the high ground at Foster's Plantation, which position
was subsequently intrenched.
At about 5 P. M., there was some musketry firing and can-
nonading heard on the left, toward the Appomattoi. This action
was between Gen. Heckman's brigade and the enemy and lasted
about an hour, in which his forces drove the rebels twice, sustaining
a loss of about eight killed and forty wounded. His advance was
a reconnoisance to ascertain the position and strength of the enemy
on the left, and was conducted with celerity and success.
IJKB OF DBFBKCB AT BBBMUDA HUNDBBD.
At sunset, the three columns, having advanced about eight miles
from the landing, bivouacked for the night upon a continuous line,
which was subsequently intrenched and became the defensive front
of Gen. Butler's command. The line extended from the James
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^^'i ADVANCE THROUGH BERMUDA HUNDRED. 253
River on the right, at a point opposite to Dutch Gap, subsequently
widely known as Dutch Gap Canal, across to the swamp of the
Appomattox, on the left, Foster's Plantation being the centre of the
line. The 3d brigade was moved forward and occupied a position
on the right of the road, near the buildings at Foster's, in a beau-
tifiil clover lot, which afforded excellent beds for the tired men.
Orders were issued to obstruct the road and adjacent fields, by re-
moving the fences and erecting barriers against an advance of
cavalry. While engaged in this work, a woman came out of the
house, at Foster's, and hurriedly dug up an earthen flower-pot from
near a post which some of the 97th P. V. were about to remove.
They did not disturb her movements, but allowed her to retire
with her treasure concealed under her apron. When the work of
obstructing the approaches was finished, the men partook heartily
of their coffee and hard tack, then lay down to sleep, behind the
line of arras in stack and remained undisturbed through the night.
BUTLER'S BBAD-QUABTBR8 NBAB DUTCH OAF.
Gen. Butler established his head-quarters toward the right of the
line, in a farm house, about a mile from the James River, opposite
to Dutch Gap.
On the 7th, Companies C and F, detailed for picket, were sta-
tioned in the wood, on the left, opposite to Foster's, about a quarter
of a mile from the camp.
A force of three brigades, from the 10th Corps, and two from the
18th, commanded by Brig. Gen. W. H. T. Brooks, of. 1st division,
10th Corps, moved out toward the Richmond and Petersburg Rail-
road and met the enemy, under Gen. D. H. Hill, at Port Walthall
Junction, where a brisk engagement ensued. Gen. Brooks' forces
succeeded in driving Hill beyond the Walthall branch of the rail
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264 HISTORY or the ninety-seventh regiment. t^*y»
road, destroying a mile of tte road, a railroad bridge and cutting
the telegraph wires. There was a large number killed and wounded
on both sides. The movement for the purpose of reconnoitering —
and the force being unprepared to hold the position — ^retired toward
evening, bearing off their wounded. The dead were buried on the
field.
During this time, the men remaining at Foster's Plantation were
engaged in throwing up intrenchments, cutting trees for c^ievavx-
dehfrise^ and slashing the timber to obstruct the advance of the
enemy through the woods. Work on the entire line, from river to
river, a distance of near six miles, was rapidly pushed to comple-
tion.
On the 8th, there was some firing upon the picket line. Some
rebel cavalry were seen, four saddles being emptied by the pickets.
Companies C and F of the 97th P. V. were relieved from picket,
at 8.30 P. M., by two companies of the 112th N. Y.
Captain Isaac Waterbury, Company G, 55th P. V., died suddenly
on the 8th, in the camp of that regiment. He was buried, on the
11th, with military honors, at Foster's Plantation.
Early on the morning of the 9th, Gen. Butler, with the 10th and
18th Corps, started from camp and marched about four miles, to
intercept the Richmond and Petersburg Railroad, at a point mid-
way between those places. Brig. Gren. W. F. Smith, commanding
the 18th, moved on the right, and Brig.G^n. Q. A. Gillmore, com-
manding the 10th, on the left. When arrived at Chester Heights,
commanding the road, the troops and artillery took position. The
97th P. V. was then ordered to advance. Lieut. Col. Pennypacker
led his Regiment, at double quick, down the descending slope,
reaching the railroad without encountering the enemy, supposed to
occupy a position behind the embankment of the road. He then
sent two companies to the right of the road, under command of
Capt. Guss, Company A, to reconnoitre. A portion of the force
was deployed as skirmishers, to guard the flank of the Regiment
while employed in tearing up the rails. The telegraph wires were
cut, by Lieut. Col. Pennypacker, after they had been detached
from the poles by his men. The skirmishes soon came in sight of
rebel cavalry scouts, who retired beyond the reach of fire, but con-
tinued to watch the proceedings as closely as possible. In tearing
up the road, the men were marched along the track, halted and
fronted; then laying their arms behind the line, the ends of the
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JXFF. DATIS'S MMK-TEK
1W4.] ACTION AT SWIFT CREEK. 256
cross-ties were lifted and the roadway overturned
the length of the Regiment; then moving another
length of the Regiment, continued the overturning
in like manner. A detail of men, with the pio-
neers, followed, loosed the ties from the rails, piled
them together and set fire to them, consuming the
former and rendering the latter useless, being
twisted out of shape by the heat. Some miles of
the road were thus destroyed. Reaching the point
where the engagement on the 7th had occurred,
two or three dead Union soldiers found there were buried by our
men. One wounded man was also found. The woods being on fire
near him, unable to move, he would soon have perished. He had
lain two days where he had fallen, without food or water. His
parched lips were cooled from the canteens, and, after his suffer-
ings were relieved as far as possible, he was sent to the hospital,
where he finally recovered.
When the 97th P. V. moved forward upon the railroad, a force,
under command of Brig. Gen. John W. Turner, 2d division, 10th
Corps, had marched upon the Richmond and Petersburg turnpike,
toward the latter place, crossing the railroad at Port Walthall
Junction, near the point reached by Gen. Brooks' force, on the 7th.
Gen. Turner's force continued to advance toward Petersburg. An-
other force, commanded by Brig. Gen. A. H. Terry (now brevet
major general, U. S. A.), had advanced on the right, toward Rich-
mond, driving a small force of the enemy in that direction.
Having completed the destruction of the railroad to the point in-
dicated, Lieut. Col. Pennypacker, with his force, followed the ad-
vance toward Petersburg, on the turnpike. He came up with the
division just as it became engaged with the enemy at Swift Creek,
within a few miles of Petersburg, where the advance met the
enemy's pickets and drove them in. The rebels, however, being in
considerable force, charged upon the skirmish line and drove it back
through a field into a wood near the turnpike, where our forces were
prepared to meet the charge. Repeated volleys of musketry were
discharged into the ranks of the rebels, driving them back, killing
and wounding many. The rebel artiUery shelled the position in
the wood vigorously and a brisk fire of musketry was kept up from
their lines.
The 97th P. V. was immediately ordered to the front, marched
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256 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. t^^T'
through the woods under a severe fire, and occupied the front line
of battle. As it moved up to its position, the artillery, which had
advanced too closely to the enemy to be available or safe from cap-
ture, came thundering down the turnpike to a more advantageous
position. It seemed like the signal of a rout; but the men marched
steadily forward, following their intrepid young commander. The
artillery, after gaining a favorable position, reopened fire upon the
rebel lines, causing the forces in front of our position to retire;
silencing also the enemy's field pieces. As the Regiment was ad-
vancing through the woods, Sergt. Maj. Samuel W. Hawley, who
was on the left, was struck in the head by a fragment of shell and
fell. It was then thought he was killed ; he was only stunned and
but slightly cut by the shell; he very soon resumed duty. After the
enemy's fire had ceased, the 97th P. V. and 55th P. V. were moved
to the right through the woods into an old cotton field grown over
with young pines. The rebel forces were plainly seen beyond.
Here those regiments halted in line, and were ordered to lie down
to keep out of view of the enemy. They remained in that position
until near sunset. The field had been occupied by rebels only a few
hours before. Their haversacks had been left lying upon the ground
in great numbers, in line, as though the force had been hastily
ordered to move. They contained a few slices of cold pork and com
cakes, hard and meagre fare compared with the rations of our men.
About sunset, the 55th P. V. and 97th P. V. were moved to the
rear of the right, marching half a mile through dense woods, and
came upon a road by which the enemy from the direction of Peters-
burg by a detour might reach our right flank and rear. The men
were here halted, and in line of battle occupied this road during
the night, sleeping upon their arms by the roadside.
A regiment, armed with the old Belgian rifles, had advanced, just
before dusk, to a position somewhat exposed, presenting a tempta-
tion to the enemy of an easy capture during the night. Soon after
dark, this regiment was withdrawn, and another, armed with Spen-
cer rifles or carbines, took its place. At about 10 P. M., a sudden
and incessant discharge of musketry indicated a general engagement.
The fire continued ten or fift;een minutes; then all was quiet again.
It was soon ascertained that the noise was occasioned by the rebels
attempting to surprise and capture that regiment at the front, with
its old Belgian rifles, but had caught instead a right smart Tartar, in
the shape of a regiment with new Spencer repeaters, causing them
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1854.] FORCED MARCH TO SUPPORT GENERAL TERRT's ADVANCE. 257
to retreat with heavy loss in killed and wounded. There was no
other disturbance during the night. When daylight broke upon us,
the men began to awake, impelled by hunger and thirst, to seek for
food and water. There was no stream to be found near, but recent
rains had left the gutters and ruts along the road filled with water.
The ground being a heavy clay soil, retained it for want of drainage.
To this supply the men, through necessity, had recourse. Where
undisturbed, the water was clear and, though warm, was refreshing
to parched lips, as the writer can testify, having slaked his thirst
from a clear little pool that filled the pit of a horse track in the
clay of the road-bed.
Some of the men made circuitous journeys in the vicinity and
found means of filling canteens with good water and obtained some
com cakes from the inhabitants; others, more fortunate, secured
some large bars of prepared navy tobacco, and, upon their return,
drove a brisk trade in that article with less enterprising comrades.
Preparations were made for advancing toward Petersburg, early
on the morning of the 10th, the enemy having apparently with-
drawn toward that place. When about to move, inteDigence was
received that Gen. Terry's division, advancing toward Richmond,
was heavily engaged. Gen. Lee having sent a large force to oppose
his advance.
Gen. Ames detached the 1st brigade from his division and ordered
it to march rapidly to Gen. Terry's support. The 97th P. V.,
being on the right of the brigade, moved off first, upon the Rich-
mond and Petersburg turnpike, and was pushed rapidly along that
road, at double quick, on all declining and level grades, and as
kst as possible over the hills, leaving the rest of the brigade to
foUow. For a time, the men kept weU together; but soon the
excessive heat, dust and rapid march became more than human en-
durance could stand. The men began to drop by the way, utterly
overcome. Many, falling helpless in the road, from sunstroke,
were carried, by their comrades, into the shade at the roadside.
After a forced march of seven miles, a portion of the Regiment
reached Gen. Terry's position, when it was found that his forces had
maintained their ground against the fierce assault of the enemy,
and compelled the advancing foe to retire.
The weary and exhausted men of the Regiment, who had kept
up on the march, were halted in a shady spot by the roadside to
rest until the remainder of the brigade came up. It was rather
17
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258 HISTORY OF THE NINETY^EVENTH REGIMENT. fMay,
aggravating, however, for them to witness the cool and leisurely
march of the other regiments, an hour later, filing past.
Though the enemy had been repulsed by Gen. Terry's forces, fur-
ther advance was deemed unadvisable. The brigade was ordered to
return to camp, at Foster's Place, which was reached at sunset,
having marched, in the two days, about twenty-three miles, in ad-
dition to the work of tearing up the railroad and taking part in
the action at Swift Creek.
On May 8, 1st Lieut. John McGrath, Company E, acting quarter-
master, was detailed, by orders from department head-quarters, on
detached service, in the commissary department, at Bermuda Hun-
dred Landing. 2d Lieut. H. Kauffman, Jr., Company C, acting
adjutant, was then detailed as regimental quarter-master, of the
97th P. v., and 1st Lieut. John Wainwright, Company F, as acting
adjutiant.
On the 11th, several companies of the Regiment were detailed for
work upon the line of intrenchments at Foster's Place, At 6 P. M.,
Company C was detailed for picket, with Maj. Price in charge of
the picket force, marched from camp during a heavy rain, and occu-
pied the position in the line the Regiment had held when first de-
tailed at this place, the 112th N. Y. being on the right.
Owing to the active movements which commenced on the follow-
ing day. Company C remained on duty at this point without being
relieved for nearly a week, a part of the men being allowed to rest
while the remainder kept watch, the reserve occupying shelter tents.
Several severe thunder storms occurred, during one of which a tree
was struck within thirty feet of the shelter where twenty men, with
their muskets, were lying. The electricity flashed along the bright
steel barrels and bayonets of the loaded pieces, almost blinding the
men. The sulphurous smell pervaded the air to an almost stifling
extent, but no one was stunned or in the least injured. The
proximity of the electric current was, however, not enjoyed, the
men preferring to risk the more moderate fire of artillery and mus-
ketry to the thunderbolts of the elements.
On the morning of the 12th, apprehending a night attack from
the rebels, orders were issued for all the troops in the camp, inside
the intrenchments, to be under arms and in the line of earthworks
from 2 A. M. to daylight, until further orders.
On that day. Gen. Butler again made an advance toward Rich-
mond, leaving a small force inside the intrenchments, with CdL
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18W.1 RETURN OP COLONEL GUSS AND THE VETERANS. 259
Joshua B. Howell, of the 85th P. V., in command. Orders were
issued to the forces then occupying the picket lines outside the in-
tienchments to hold the line until they should be relieved, after the
return of the forces from the front. Company C, of the 97th P. V.,
being on picket, remained upon that duty in consequence of this
order. The remaining companies of the Regiment, under command
of Lieut. Col. Pennypacker, marched with Butler's advance.
Col. Guss, Adjt Carruthers and the veterans reached Bermuda
Hundred Landing, on their return, on the afternoon of the 12th.
Leaving the veterans in charge of Capt. Mendenhall, Col. Guss
proceeded to the front and reported his arrival to Gen. Gillmore,
and was by him assigned to the command of the Ist brigade, 3d
division, 10th Corps. This announcement was highly satisfactory
to the entire command. Adjt. Carruthers was appointed acting as-
sistant adjutant general of the brigade. 1st Lieut. Skiles, Conipany
B, now relieved Lieut. Wainwright as acting regimental adjutant.
The following account of the movements of the veterans and
their return is furnished by Capt. Mendenhall, from his notes of
the trip: The detachment left Fernandina, at sunset, on February
27, on the steamer Delaware, amid the cheers and greeting of their
comrades left behind. Reached Hilton Head at 11 A. M., on the
28th, and encamped to await transportation.
On April 2, Col. Guss and family, with Adjt. Carruthers, joined
the detachment returning home.
At 10 P. M., on the 3d, sailed on the steamer Arago, arriving
in New York at 11 P. M. on the 7th
Debarked, on the 8th, and marched to Park Barracks for break-
fast. Crossed the Jersey City ferry, at 10 A. M., and took the train
for Philadelphia. Being delayed by the way, it was 9 P. M. when
the command reached the Cooper Shop Refreshment Saloon, where
a bountiful supper was provided. At 10 P. M., the march was
resumed At the depot of the West Chester and Philadelphia Rail-
road, cars were found ready and many friends present to give the
boys welcome. Left Philadelphia by the 11.30 train and reached
West Chester at 1 A. M. on Saturday, the 9th. Of course, the
inhabitants were all asleep.
It was the intention of the citizens to have given the veterans a
public reception upon their arrival, expected the previous evening.
Arrangements had been made at a meeting, convened in the Court
House, and a reception committee appointed, with Capt. William
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260 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. [May.
Apple as chief marshal. The cadets of Col. Hyatt's and Prof. W.
F. Wyers' military academies were in line, at the depot, accom-
panied by a large concourse of citizens, who waited patiently until
10 P. M. and then dispersed.
On the following morning, a salute was fired in front of the Court
House, by the cadets of Col. Hyatt's school, bells were rung and
all available bunting flung to the breeze in honor of the returning
veterans', who were assembled in the Court House, at 10 o'clock,
and welcomed to their homes, in an eloquent and appropriate ad-
dress, by the Rev. WiDiam E. Moore, pastor of the Presbyterian
Church. Col. Guss, being loudly called for, came forward and made
some Well-timed remarks, which were received with enthusiastic ap-
plause. Adjt. Carruthers was then called for, who made a short
and pithy speech, which was also well received. The furloughs
were then issued to the veterans, which released them until May 9,
at which time they were required to report at the Green Tree
Hotel, West Chester.
They availed themselves gladly of the release from military dis-
cipline, and went their several ways rejoicing, to meet the wel-
come that awaited them in their homes.
On May 9, Capt. Mendenhall reported to Col. Guss, at West
Chester, 'for orders. The furloughed men mostly returned during
the day. One of the number, Levi B. Walker, Company K, had
died, of pleurisy, at his home, on April 28. There were several
absentees, some of whom joined the detachment by Jhe way.
Left West Chester at 6 A. M., on the 10th, for Philadelphia and
Baltimore. The command took supper at the Volunteer Refresh-
ment Saloon, and lodged in barracks at Baltimore.
At 5 P. M., on the 11th, took passage on steamer Adelaide, for
Fortress Monroe. Reached there at 8 A. M., on the 12th, and left
at 11 A. M. for City Point, Va. Arrived at 5 P. M. and encamped.
The roll being called, two hundred and seventy-seven were present.
Absent, fifty-nine. The absentees mostly rejoined vrithin a few
days; having been delayed by sickness and unavoidable circum-
stances, they were excused and reported present on time. A few
did not return until arrested as deserters. Two of Company E, two
of Company F, one of Company I and one of Company K never re-
joined the Regiment.
On the 13th, Capt. Mendenhall made application for the arms ol
the command. These had been boxed and shipped, at Femandina,
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1964.] .jHj; veterans' ARRIVAL AT FOSTER'S PLACE. 261
and forwarded to Bermuda Hundred, Two days elapsed before
they arrived at City Point.
On the 16th, the arms and forty rounds of ammunition were dis-
tributed to the detachment. There were now two hundred and
eighty-five men present. The command marched to the front on
the same day. Heavy firing was plainly heard from the fighting at
Drury's Bluff and Fort Darling. The veteran detachment reached
the camp of the Regiment, at Foster's Place, at 6 P. M. The
Regiment, being then at the front, under command of Lieut. Col.
Pennypacker, returned iA the night. Capt. Mendenhall reported
his arrival at head-quarters on the morning of the 17th, the veterans
having been absent forty-seven days.
Five volunteer recruits had joined the detachment while home.
Four were assigned to Company F and one to Company K.
Little black June also returned with the veterans, entirely satis-
fied with his experience of northern life, being peculiarly southern
in his proclivities. He remained an independent attache of the
Regiment until the final muster out. In originality of character
and comicality he was a feature, in every movement, and upon the
march, at a review or inspection, irrepressible and ever on hand when
least expected; a wily and wary observer of all worth noticing;
his peculiar voice and ringing laugh announcing his presence and
delight with as little ceremony as a shell dropped from the enemy's
batteries at an unexpected moment. His advent occurred early in
1862; at Hilton Head, where he turned up as a contraband waif,
drifting with the vast tide of escaping bondmen to our camps as to
their natural protectors. His singular appearance, ludicrous wit
and natural smartness won favor for him in Capt. Mcllvaine's ap-
preciation. He thenceforth became his servant and the custodian
of the captain's quarters. Rendering whatever improbable amount
of service he might be capable of, his humor and his voice were the
clear profit of the captain's investment, in which the entire Regi-
ment fully participated, through June's most laudable and persistent
efforts to make himself manifest. All of these invaluable qualities
and qualifications had been missing from the ordinary issue of
rations, since May, 1863, when June was tempted, after Capt. Mc-
llvaine's return, by Lieut. Smedley, Company C, who had received
his discharge, to try his fortune in the north. His experiences in
Pennsylvania were varied and of sufficient interest to form a
volume if properly compiled. The saddest of these may here suffice
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262 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. P^*^'
to indicate the cause of his embracing the first favorable oppor-
tunity of returning to his old friends in the 97th P. V. The cherry
trees, being in full bearing, invited his discriminating palate to par-
take of the luscious fruit that grew upon the topmost boughs.
June trusted his frail weight to the limbs whose treacherous frailty,
exceeding his own, caused his downfall and a broken arm. June
" vowed he would go back to Caroliny, where the trees had better
sense than to break down with a poor little darky like him/'
Commissions, promoting the following officers, were now received,
viz.: 2d Lieut. George A. Lemaistre, Company H, to be captain, vice
Mcllvaine, resigned; Sergt. George H. Dumall, same company, to
be 1st lieutenant, vice Baldwin, resigned; Sergt. Lewis H. Watkins,
same company, to be 2d lieutenant, vice Ijemaistre, promoted ; 2d
Lieut. George W. Duffee, Company I, to be 1st lieutenant, vice
Sketchley Morton, Jr., deceased; Sergt. William H. H. Gibson,
same company, to be 2d lieutenant, vice DufFee, promoted.
The 10th Corps, under Gen. Gillmore, had marched on the 12th
toward Chester Station, on the Richmond and Petersburg Railroad,
while the 18th Corps moved on the right along the river bank
toward Drury's Bluff and Fort Darling, situated nine miles below
Richmond. Crossing the railroad, the 10th Corps advanced toward
Chesterfield Court House; then, diverging to the right, joined the
18th Corps, against which it was evident the enemy were massing
their troops. Continuing to advance, on the evening of the 13th, an
outer line of intrenchments was encountered, extending from the
railroad to the river.
On the morning of the 14th, Gen Butler's advance encountered
the enemy at Proctor's Creek, Drury's Bluff and near Fort Darling.
They were found strongly intrenched in a double line of works
behind Proctor's Creek. Gen. Gillmore led the 10th Corps against
the enemy and succeeded in capturing their advance lines near
Drury's Bluff, and by a brilliant dash carried the left of their main
line, fianking the enemy's position and securing a large number of
prisoners after a stubborn resistance in which his own loss was quite
severe.
The 97th P. V., under command of Lieut. Col. Pennypacker, par-
ticipated in the engagement and held the extreme left of the line.
After the action on the 14th, the 97th P. V. was detached as guard
to Gen. Butler's head-quarters, near the Richmond and Petersburg
turnpike, and as a picket force upon the left flank of the position.
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1864.] proctor's CREEK, DRURY'S BLUFF AND FORT DARLING. 263
It was thus engaged during the 15th without particular occurrence
to note.
Beauregard was evidently closely observing these movements, ap-
parently without manifesting any disposition to depart from a de-
fensive line of operations. Gen. Butler's line now covered his entire
front south of the James. Only a small cavalry force, however, oc-
cupied the right between the river and the right flank of the in-
fantry, which was also somewhat protected b^ the naval force in the
river.
FOBT DARLING.
On the morning of the 16th, the enemy, having concentrated their
forces on the south side of Richmond, made a furious assault upon
the right of Gen. Butler's line, at about 3.30 A. M., advancing
under cover of the dense undergrowth, favored by the darkness and
dense fog which continued during the morning, rendering it impos-
sible to distinguish the position of either line beyond a few yards.
The columns of the enemy swept through the lines on the right and
became mingled with the forces in the rear lines in promiscuous and
indiscriminate conflict ; each force maintaining its steady fire with-
out any well-defined line of battle. The darkness and fog, even
after daylight, prevented any comprehensive knowledge of the posi-
tion of either army. During this period of the action, prisoners were
captured and recaptured, and many permanently secured by each side.
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264 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. ^^^7*
Several hours' hard fighting and terrible loss on both sides, with al-
ternate success and repulse ensued, the enemy, being in much supe-
rior force, had at the outset turned the right flank by the impetuous
force of their massed columns of infantry. Gen. Butler's forces were,
however, still able to prevent their taking advantage of the first
success by the same causes which enabled the enemy to penetrate
our lines. The fog and darkness served to obstruct their accuracy of
observation; otherwise* the now broken lines of Gen. Butler's com-
mand would have then been utterly routed by the largely superior
force of the enemy; but, in the darkness and confiision, numbers
became an element of weakness, causing their losses to be most
severe, and thwarted their object of driving Gen. Butler's forces
from the field. When the darkness and fog had passed, the op-
posing forces were found almost face to face. The enemy had
rapidly rearranged their lines, being more familiar with the ground,
and immediately renewed the assault with persistent determination
to accomplish their object. Their first assault was upon the 18th
Corps, commanded by Gen. W. F. Smith. In the darkness, that offi-
cer had caused to be stretched across his front a quantity of telegraph
wire, which had been secured, fastening it to the stumps and trees
about half knee-high. When the enemy rushed forward in a charge
they pitched headlong over the wire and over each other, while the
fire of Gen. Smith's troops was so effective as to repulse the attack
with fearful loss.
Gen. Weitzel's division, occupying the breastwork at Drury's
Bluff, captured on the 1 4th, was assaulted three times without suc-
cess. The enemy then turned their attention to the 10th Corps,
massed their forces in front of Gen. GiUmore's position and made
three successive attempts to force him from it, being repulsed at
every point by the unflinching steadfastness of GiUmore's veterans,
who, having learned the advantage of staying in their lines and
forgotten how to retreat, kept up such a continuous fire that the
enemy could not endure it. They then renewed their attack on the
18th Corps, when Gen. GiUmore sent Turner's division to its sup-
port, and they were again repulsed with severe loss.
At 2.30 P. M. the enemy ceased to press upon our front, and the
' action terminated, the enemy falling back to their line of intrench-
ments, leaving a large number of killed and wounded upon the
field. The following extract from an account of the action, by Mr.
Oscar G. Sawyer, correspondent of the 10th Corps, gives the move-
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18W.1 proctoe's cbeek, drury's bluff and fort darling. 265
ments that occurred after the fog and darkness clearing, afforded
opportunity for observation.
*** * * They first burled their column upon Turner's division,
which held the right of the 10th Corps, joining the 18th Corps. Tbej formed
10 a beautiful manner and moved steadily on Barton's brigade, on the right of
Turner's division, advancing as if upon parade and not firing a single shot. Wait-
ing until they had reached a good distance for effective range, the brigade poured
into their lines such a terrific fire that the line melted away and the thinned and
broken ranks, after vainly endeavoring to advance against the storm of bullets,
fled, with terrible loss, to the woods in their rear. The volleys were as continu-
OHS and heavy as the musketry of a brigade could well be and such as no living
beings could stand against. The rebels were scattered like chaff and broke for
the woods in a disorganised mass. After great exertion, the line of attack was
again formed and again a brigade advanced in splendid style against our line.
Again did tbey receive the terrible fire and pushed steadily on until a fourth of
them lay killed and wounded oa the field, when they broke and rushed quickly
to the cover of the woods. Our boys gave them hearty cheers and sent a volley
after them. Being twice bloodily repulsed at this point, they moved further to
our left and hurled a column upon Col. Hawley's brigade of Gen. Terry's divi-
sion. They came up i« the same steady and confident manner, but were received
with a more rapid and equally as deadly a fire as that tbey were treated to by
Turner's men. The Spencer repeating rifles, in the hands of the Tth Conn., and
the Springfield rifles of the rest of the brigade, delivered a fire so hot and wither-
ing that the rebels could not withstand it, but broke and ran for the woods, ac-
celerated in their flight by the music of the Spencer bullets about them. They
were determined, however, to break our line and force it from its position, cost
what it would. They again formed and were strengthened by reinforcements.
Tbey charged again, and after ton minutes' hot work they were disastrously re-
pulsed and driven back at all points. That ended any serious effort on their part
to force the position of the 10th Corps. Leaving their dead and wounded, to
the number of a thousand, on the field before our line, they again moved upon
Oen. Smith's front and attacked his left. Qen. Gillmore immediately ordered Gen.
Tomer to attack the enemy on their flank and Gen. Terry to support him. Gen.
Turner's attack was hardly commenced before Gen. Gillmore was ordered, by
Oen. Butler, to retire and strengthen Gen. Smith's corps by forming in his rear.
Our troops fell back slowly and in order, repulsing every effort of the rebels to
quicken their movement and making a stand at every favorable position until
the enemy ceased to follow and fell back to their first line of intrench ments.
Oen. Gillmore then drew off his corps and formed in support of Gen. Smith.
The fighting, which had been going on with more or less violence along the
entire line, ceased at half past two P. M. and preparations were made to draw
off our forces from the field and return to our intrench ments. The artillery was
8eot to the rear, except a section to cover the rear guard. The ambulances,
loaded with wounded, and the supply trains were dispatched to the rear, and
finally the entire army fell back, the enemy not pursuing. Thus ended this rebel
attack on our lines.
"* * * Gen. Beauregard commanded in person, Gens. Hoke and
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266 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. I-^^^'
RaDsom commaodiDg divisioDS. The brigade of the latter, arrived the previous
night and added considerably to Beauregard's force. The rebels fought with
more than their usual dash and bravery, as they seemed determined to crush our
army as the only way to save Richmond. They met with a bloody failure. Their
losses in killed and wounded exceeded ours, although the balance of prisoners
was probably slightly in their favor. Our men fought splendidly, and the TerUh
Corps has established a reputation for fighting qualities that will equal that of
any in the army. It is well disciplined, brave and efficient, and is an honor to
the department. Maj. Gen. Gillmore commanded the left throughout and dis-
played as high qualities in the field, in the handling of a corps, as he had as an
engineer officer. He was assisted by Brig. Oen. Robert S. Foster, chief of staff,
whose energy, zeal and abilities as a commander combine to make him an in-
valuable officer to any commander, whether as chief of stafiT or in the command
of a brigade or division. No little of our success is due to his energy and skill
Gens. Terry, Ames and Turner each performed their respective parts to the
complete satisfaction of all. No corps has better division commanders. Where
all the brigade commanders did so well, it would be unjust to discriminate be-
tween them. They have all the desirable qualities found in good soldiers.
*** * * There were many parallels between this battle and the
battle of Inkerman, in the Crimea The hour, for instance, at whiqh the attack
was made, the fog, the surprise, the overwhelming numbers of the assailants,
the sturdy resistance they encountered, the reinforcement of the besiegers, and
the final repulse of the enemy. Then there were bayonet charges, hand-to-hand
encounters and deeds of heroism around which obscurity will forever fold her
opaque mantle."
Gen. Butler's loss was about three thousand; that of the enemy
much greater. Gen. Heckman and Col. Richard White, of the
55th P. v., were among the captured. The latter had just been
relieved in the command of the 3d brigade, 3d division, 10th Corps,
by Col. Guss.
In these actions. Col. Guss' brigade lost five hundred and fifty-
nine men. Five men of the 97th P. V. were taken prisoners and
two, Privates Owen Finnegan and William Wright, both of Com-
pany H, were wounded, the former in the head and the latter in the
foot. It was fortunate to have escaped with so small a number of
casualties, as the Regiment was in the advance and under fire
during the actions of the 14th and 16th.
Gen. Butler's forces having successfully resisted the impetuous
endeavors of Beauregard to destroy his army, during thirteen
hours of hotly-contested conflict, were top much shattered either to
advance against the enemy he had foiled or to risk a renewal of the
contest before recuperating his command. He, therefore, deter-
mined to withdraw to his intrenchments; having also ascertained,
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1864.] ADVANCE ON WIER BOTTOM CHURCH ROAD. 267
soon after the commencement of the action, that Beauregard had
dispatched a heavy force to attack his rear and left flank, from the
direction of the Petersburg Railroad, and which was already ad-
vancing on the Wier Bottom Church Road. At this time (6 A. M.
on the 16th), the 97th P. V. was on duty at the head-quarters of
Gen. Butler, and had just been ordered to a point on the Richmond
turnpike to receive rations, and was distributing the same, when, at
the hour above named, Lieut. Col. Pennypacker received orders
from Gren. Butler to get the Regiment in line at once and march
as rapidly as possible, along the Wier Bottom Church Road, to join
the 13th Ind. and Battery E, 3d U. S. Art'y, and together obstruct
the advance of the enemy and hold him in check until the result of
the action at the front could be determined and the remaining
forces of Gen. Butler could be safely withdrawn or disposed for fti-
ture operations.
At 9 A. M., the 97th P. V. had joined the 13th Ind. and the
artillery, at a point several miles distant, on the road indicated,
where this force was guarding the extreme left of Butler^s position.
A company of each regiment was now deployed as skirmishers upon
each flank. The entire force then moved along the Wier Bottom
Church Road for nearly four miles. Occasional shots from the skir-
mishers now gave notice of the vicinity of the enemy in front.
Company F, of the 97th P. V., was sent forward and deployed to
the right, with orders to move through the timber to ascertain the
position of the enemy and report the information obtained to
Lieut. Col. Pennypacker. He had formed the troops in line of
battle across the road upon which he had advanced. As Company
F pushed forward through the wood, a large body of the enemy was
seen passing to the left vdthout discovering the movement of our
men. A messenger was sent to apprise Lieut. Col. Pennypacker
of the enemy's approach. A brisk fire was also opened, from the
skirmish line upon the flank of the rebels, to check their advance.
Lieut. Col. Pennypacker's force, being prepared to meet them, de-
Uvered a rapid and effective fire, which completely surprised and
drove back the advance with precipitation, impressed with the belief
that they had struck the main line of a superior force.
Aft;er the enemy had retired, three scouts, Sergt. John Kennedy
and Privates William T. Meeteer and Samuel G. Scott, were sent
forward, by Capt. Lewis, in compliance with orders from Lieut. Col.
Pennypacker. They were directed to advance cautiously, as far as
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268 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. t^^^'
possible, to ascertain the position and movements of the main body
of the rebel force. This duty was satisfactorily accomplished in a
short time, the scouts reporting that a line of rebel skirmishers was
lying in the wood about three hundred yards in front and to the
left of our line of skirmishers, watching the movements of our men.
Apparently, each party was diligently engaged observing the other,
neither being disposed to attack without further observation of the
situation. The main body of Beauregard's force occupied a meadow
in the rear and the high ground upon either side where the artillery
was posted. The enemy appeared to have come suddenly to a halt,
no doubt supposing their progress was intercepted by a heavy force,
hesitating to advance, from caution, until they could ascertain
the extent of the opposing force, which, of necessity, maintained
the defensive, being entirely unsupported. After ascertaining the
situation on the right, Lieut. Col. Pennypacker withdrew Company
F from the front and sent Capt. Lewis with it toward Walthall
Station, on the Richmond and Petersburg Railroad, three-fourths of
a mile to the left of his position, with orders to deploy the company
on the ridge, between the main road leading toward the intrench-
ments, at Foster's Place, and the position of the enemy, to pre-
vent a flanking force gaining the rear of his position. The men
were deployed as directed, reaching the ridge under fire from the
enemy already in sight and within speaking distance. Firing was
kept up briskly for some time, when the rebels ceased firing and
called upon our men to " Surrender; we will use you well;" to which
they replied, " If you want prisoners, you will have to come and
take them." The firing soon aft;er ceased. The enemy made no
movement toward an advance. Our men lay quietly in line, ex-
tended along the ridge for half a mile. The situation was critical
and the chances of a rebel prison seemed quite probable.
About 2 P. M., the enemy opened fire with their artillery;
for two or three hours the iron haU pelted the woods and fields
behind the position of our forces without effect. Every precaution
had been taken to present a strong and vigilant line along the
entire front, for which purpose the reserve was reduced to a mere,
remnant. Beauregard's advance was thus held in check by the
97th P. V. and 13th Ind. during the afternoon of the 16th. Mean-
while, Gen. Butler's forces were being withdrawn to the intrench-
ments and the wounded brought off the field from Drury's Bluff
and Fort Darling.
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18W.J ADVANCE ON WIER BOTTOM CHURCH ROAD. 269
At dusk, Lieut. Col. Pennypacker received orders to retire cau-
tiously to the intrenchments. Rain had set in during the afternoon
and it was quite cold, the men suflfering greatly while lying upon
the wet ground to avoid the fire of the enemy. Soon after dusk,
it became evident the rebels were preparing to advance by a flank
movement. Orders were now sent to the force on the left to fall
back on the reserve, already upon the march by the main road to
the intrenchments. The rebels were by this time on the march,
also, by a parallel route, but our forces, having the inside and shorter
line, reached camp in safety; the enemy, however, being within
musket shot when the outer line was reached. Capt. Lewis' force,
in retiring, was almost intercepted, the enemy having reached the
main road in advance of his company, obliging him to make a de-
tour to avoid capture.
The men reached camp about 2 A. M. on the 17th, wet, cold,
hungry and tired, having accomplished all that was deemed possible
from so meagre a force, thrown across the advance of an adversary
so wary and powerful, thereby saving the Army of the James from a
serious disaster. Two men were wounded and five captured.
During the action at Drury's Bluff, the firing was plainly heard
at the picket line occupied by Company C. Maj. Price received a
message from Lieut. Col. Pennypacker, requesting him to endeavor
to have Company C relieved from picket and bring to the Regi-
ment all the men in camp who were fit for duty. Having previously
twice attempted, without success, to get the company relieved or per-
mission for himself to rejoin the Regiment, he again went to Col.
Howell and urged Lieut. Col. Pennypacker's request, in addition to
his own desire, to be permitted to take the company to the front.
Col. Howell now gave permission to take the men that were in
camp, but would not relieve Company C from picket. Maj. Price
collected about thirty men, convalescents and others at the camp,
and marched at noon, on the 16th, to rejoin the Regiment. The
road was now occupied by retiring troops and ambulances carrying
the wounded from the field. At 3 P. M., while marching along the
Richmond and Petersburg turnpike, the rear guard of Gen. Butler's
army was met. Maj. Price was, therefore, obliged to return to camp
with his men, as the position of the Regiment could not be ascer-
tained, the advance on the Wier Bottom Church Road being only
known at Gren. Butler's head-quarters. Company C was relieved
from picket and returned to camp on the 17th.
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270 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. C^^^'
On the morning of the 18th, Beauregard's forces, having advanced
to within a short distance of the picket lines, then assaulted a por-
tion of the line at Foster's Place, near Green Plains, from which a
detachment of the 8th Maine was driven. About 8 A. M., the 97th
P. V. was ordered to the front to retake the line. Companies A,
F, D and I were deployed by Lieut. Col. Pennypacker and advanced
under his command in a skirmish line, supported by the remainder
of the Regiment under the command of Maj. Price. The entire
force advanced at a run, against a brisk fire, charging upon the
enemy's line in a brilliant manner, regained the position, the enemy
retiring to the shelter of a ravine and some buildings adjacent,
from which a continuous fire of musketry was kept up and returned
by our line during the day. Our men sought every available ad-
vanced point from which to reach the enemy in their sheltered
position. The windows of the buildings were so closely watched
that our marksmen, sighting the muzzle of a rebel rifle projecting,
were sure to deliver a well-directed shot that often prevented the
discharge of the piece. For over nine hours the storm of fire raged.
The ammunition, being several times exhausted, was replenished
again and again from the rear; details of men, with gum blankets,
into which the contents of the ammunition boxes were poured,
crawled to the front dragging the supplies, which were thrown for-
ward to those in the advanced sheltered positions, from which it
was certain death to move while daylight lasted. An aid of one of
the generals said, in the hearing of several of our men, "The 97th
P. V. would hold that line three weeks if kept supplied with am-
munition." Darkness alone closed the contest.
The casualties had been severe; four were killed and fifty-two
wounded, several mortally, who died soon after. The total loss weis
fifty-seven, as follows: Company A, one killed, nine wounded;
Company B, two wounded ; Company C, one killed, four wounded,
one captured; Company D, fifteen wounded; Company E, one
wounded; Company F, one killed, five wounded; Company G, ten
wounded; Company H, one wounded; Company I, one wounded;
Company K, one killed, three wounded ; non-commissioned staff, one
wounded. Many of these were veterans who had only a few days
before returned from their homes.
The place where this action on the 18th occurred was known as
Foster's Place. Some accounts have since given the name of Ber-
muda Hundred to both this and the action of the 20th, which took
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18^1 ACTION AT Foster's place, va. 271
place on the plain slightly in the rear of this position. By some
strange inadvertence, the 97th P. V. was left upon the field of its
severe and unremitting contest of the 18th until 10 P. M., when it
was relieved by the 48th N. Y., and returned to camp hungry, weary
and begrimed with the smoke of battle. The killed and wounded
had been carried off the field during the day. Among them were
Capt. Francis M. Guss, Company A, severely wounded by buck and
ball, in the right knee ; 1st Lieut. Abel Griffith, of the same com-
pany, was also severely wounded in the left wrist ; Capt. Samuel V.
Black, Company EL, in the left arm; he, however, persisted in re-
maining at the front for several hours after he was struck ; Fife Maj.
John Parsons was wounded in the lungs, and died in the U. S.
Hospital, at Fortress Monroe; Corps. M. Davis Thomas and R. B.
Wilson, Company C, were mortally wounded; both died a few days
later at Fortress Monroe. The killed were Sergt. Isaac Acker,
Company C; Privates Jesse C. D. Stoops, Company A; Milton
H. White, Company F, and John C. Guthrie, Company K.
The death of Sergt. Acker was occasioned by one of those irregu-
larities that came to be regarded as a bane to the service— the un-
authorized orders oi junior staff officers to non-commissioned officers
and soldiers on duty at the front. One of these, on a tour of ob-
servation along the line, ambitious of displaying authority, ordered
Sergt. Acker, with a few men, to advance into a piece of wood upon
die left, to ascertain if there were any of the enemy concealed in it.
He was informed that it was full of them, but insisted upon the
advance being made. There being no commissioned officer in sight
to whom Sergt. Acker could appeal, and not at liberty to leave the
position to ascertain the correctness of the order, Sergt. Acker felt
it his duty to obey the lieutenant. He cautiously advanced, with
three or four men, having to crawl upon the ground through the
grass. They had barely reached the edge of the timber when the
sergeant was shot through the heart by a rebel sharp-shooter only a
few paces in advance. The men then returned, dragging his lifeless
body with them.
Upon seeing the fatal result of his order, the lieutenant quickly
retired to avoid identification. Many efforts were made to ascer-
tain his name, but without success; he evidently took care to keep
out of sight of the men who were able to identify him, and,
as no officer saw him at the front, he was not discovered and held
responsible for his action. Perhaps under no other circumstances
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272 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. f^*y'
would a like order have been obeyed by any non-commissioned
officer of the Regiment, without the sanction of one of their officers
or an officer known to them; but, being under fire in action, the
excitement of the occasion induced the conviction that there was no
choice but to obey the order; and Sergt. Acker, faithful to every
known duty, was brave enough to obey rather than seem to shrink
from any danger.
Capt. Guss and Lieut. Griffith did not sufficiently recover to
rejoin the Regiment again, after being sent to the U. S. Hospital, at
Annapolis, Md., from which place they were discharged, on account
of wounds and expiration of term.
Surgeon John R. Everhart, medical officer of the 1st brigade, oc-
cupied a small house a short distance in the rear of the camp of the
97th P. V. To this point the wounded had been conveyed, where
they received the most efficient care and attention and their wounds
were properly dressed before removal. The officers were sent to
Chesapeake Hospital and the men to Hampton Hospital, at Fortress
Monroe, and to Point Lookout, Md. Asst. Surgeon Eli McClellan,
medical department U. S. A., was at this time acting medical di-
rector of the department. He was assisted by a large and efficient
staff of surgeons and nurses, who did all in their power to relieve
the sufferings of the brave men confided to their care.
Private Henry Albright, Company A, received an injury whilst
working with a detail felling trees at the front. He died, at the
brigade hospital, on the 19th, and was buried near the hospital.
On the evening of May 19, Companies A, B, C and E of the 97th
P. v., numbering about one hundred and fifty men, under command
of Maj. Price, were detailed for picket and occupied the same line
which the Regiment had recaptured and held on the 18th; being
along an old road-bed, the line had been partially intrenched. Soon
after the men got into position, the enemy charged upon them.
Our men were cool and steady, and having the honor of the previous
day's reoccupation and stubborn maintenance of the same ground
to sustain, opened a brisk fire upon the advancing enemy, repulsing
them with considerable loss. Twice during the night the enemy
renewed the attempt and made desperate efforts to drive in the left
of our line and the right of the 9th Maine, upon our left, but each
attempt was repulsed by the steady and determined fire of our men
and that of the 9th Maine.
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^^•^ 1 ACTION AT GREEN PLAINS, VA. 273
CHAPTER IX.
Action at Green Plain^, Bermuda Hundred; Co-operation with
THE Army of the Potomac; Action at Cold Harbor; Return to
THE James; Advance against Petersburg; Action at Peters-
burg Heights; Siege Operations; Mat 20 to June 23, 1864.
HE 20th of May, 1864, was a day memorable in the
history of the 97th P. V., no less for the brilliant
test of the unflinching courage and fidelity of its
ofiicers and men than for the disastrous results
arising from the inexcusable misapprehension of the
situation on the part of those who were, unhappily,
in position to order the fatal charge, which swept
fwp- down the ranks of the Regiment like chaff before
the wind, as it marched into the jaws of death with
a dash like the charge of the famous Six Hundred at Balaklava. A
detailed account of the events which preceded, and of the neglect
that permitted, the day's disaster may not be inappropriate. This
is obtained from notes of his observations at the time, made within
a few days after, by Maj. Price, who commanded the portion of the
line occupied by the 97th P. V., a Maj. Calvin (first name. State
and regiment not known), being the field officer of the trenches,
having command of the entire line:
Having frustrated several attempts of the enemy to capture the
line, it was evident that these were mainly a mask to cover more
formidable operations in our front. During the night of the 19th,
could hear the enemy moving their artillery in front of our left and
centre, the commands of the officers being plainly distinguished,
leaving no room to doubt the nature of the movements going on.
Sent a messenger to report the facts to Maj. Calvin, who could not
be found. A message was then left for him at his quarters. At
daylight, on the morning of the 20th, discoverrti that the enemy
was massing troops on our right and left, and beyond it in front of
18
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274 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. t^^*^'
the 9th Maine, the extreme left of the line. A force was also dis-
covered, massed behind a large house opposite the centre of the po-
sition, in rear of the enemy's line. These observations were duly
reported, by messenger, to Maj. Calvin. The morning was quite
foggy, but it lifted at intervals, aflfording opportunity for the obser-
vations made; the enemy evidently taking advantage of the fog to
get their men into concealed positions as near our lines as possible.
It was estimated that at least a division of the enemy was being
massed against our position. Our men *were posted in the line,
at about three paces apart, in single file. Picks and shovels being
furnished, the men had worked during the night to complete and
strengthen the defences, so that by
daylight they were sheltered by a
line of well-constructed rifle pits.
Soon after daylight, the enemy's
skirmishers advanced cautiously
upon our right, were fired upon by
the pickets and driven back. A
second messenger was then dis-
patched with this information to
the officer in command of the line,
RIFLE PITS AT GREEN PLAINS, vA. with au urgcut requcst that he
(Maj. Calvin) come to the front and
observe the situation; requesting, also, that a reserve force should
be immediately sent out, there being no support to the line nearer
than the intrenchments, more than a mile distant. The fog pre-
vented satisfactory observation of the movements of the enemy for
a time. When it lifted, there was revealed a rebel earthwork. On a
knoll less than half a mile distant, with embrasures for three guns.
An attempt to mask it with brush and fallen trees failed to conceal
its position or object. It was now 8 A. M. The field officer of
the day had not yet appeared at the front. The situation, so well
comprehended by those in the line, became each moment more
critical. The men, being three paces apart in the rifle pits, though
courageous enough to stay and hold the position against any ordi-
nary force, were no match for the overwhelming numbers opposed to
them. This was subsequently ascertained to consist of the rebel
Gen. Pickett's entire division. His skirmishers were several times
advanced at different points, apparently with a view of ascertaining
the strength of our line. Our fire being well directed, drove back
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^^•^i ACTION AT GREEN PLAINS, VA. 275
the advance, but the little blue puffs of smoke at three paces' in-
terval revealed to the enemy the weakness of the line and its insu
bility to cope with the massed troops lying in wait for the signal
to advance.
At 8.15, the field officer not arriving, a third messenger was
sent to report the situation to Col. H. R. Guss, with a request that
the messenger might be directed to proceed to Gen. Butler's head-
quarters and report to him the approach of the enemy in force.
Soon after the messenger had started, the field officer came to the
front, to whom Maj. Price reported his observations. The fog at
this time, not entirely lifted, obstructed somewhat the view in front.
Maj. Calvin did not seem inclined to give attention to the report,
and remarked that the force was the usual reserve of the pickets —
and the advance of the skirmishers the relief of the picket line —
to which it was replied: "Major, I have been in the service nearly
three years and claim not to be mistaken in what has been observed
and repeatedly reported to you. Where are the needed reinforcements
that should 9ww be in this line to hold it an hour longer]" He
then said a reserve of two hundred men was at the rear. Maj.
Price urged him to bring them up at once to occupy the line the
men of the 97th P. V. had worked all night to render secure.
The reply was: "/do not think we shall be attacked." As he spoke,
three rebel regiments, with colors flying, moved out from behind
the house in our front, marching en echelon obliquely to their right
across our front. Maj. Price then directed the attention of the
field officer, who was standing with his back to the front, to the
movement of the enemy. The occasion seemed to justify the re-
mark, "Major, that looks like a rather heavy picket force." At the
same instant, the rebel batteries opened fire upon our line with vigor,
but their shell fell beyond our position at first; afterward, with
more deadly effect. A heavy line of battle also moved forward, op-
posite our right, followed by other lines in succession.
The aspect, so suddenly changed, seemed to dispel the confidence
that had so loftily asserted there would be no attack ! Expecting
orders, but receiving none — for the field officer disappeared with-
out having given a word of command — ^it was evident that we should
have the affair to ourselves. The hope still remained that we might
be able to hold the enemy in check, by our fire, until support could
reach us from the intrenchments, when the peril of the situation
should be realized there. Knowing that the men of the 97th P. V
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276 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTfi REGIMENT. 1^*^'
would hold the line they occupied if the 9th Maine, on the left,
did not give way and expose the flank; it was apparent that the
greatest danger was to be apprehended upon the left, as it was
believed the rebel advance upon our right was a demonstration to
cover the design of turning our left flank by a heavy charge upon
the position of the 9th Maine, which proved to be the case.
After passing to the right of the 97th P. V., then down the line
toward the left, urging the men to take it cooUy and reserve their
fire until it would be effective^ then try to keep the enemy back
until support could reach us, as it surely must soon; it was thought
we could stay there if only the left did not fail us. To make sure of
this, Maj. Price intimated to his officers and men that he should go
toward the left to see what could be done to keep the line fixim
breaking there. The men of the 97th P. V. were true and steady,
so that confidence remained even in face of the fearful odds ad-
vancing against them. By this time the right of the first rebel regi-
ment, advancing en echelon^ across the front of our position, had
reached the edge of the wood opposite our left. The three regiments
then advanced directly toward our lines until the severity of the
fire of the 97th P. V. caused them to lie down in the tail grass that
covered the field.
The wood in front of our left aflforded cover to within a short dis-
tance of the position occupied by the 9th Maine. Suddenly a yell
broke upon our ears as a massed column of rebel infimtry charged
upon the 9th Maine, issuing from the wood a few yards from the
lines, yelling and charging as they advanced in successive hues.
The 9th Maine broke from their position and ran without firing a
shot, leaving a gap on the left of the 97th P. V. for the enemy to
enter.
Seeing the disaster, and hoping to remedy it, Maj. Price hurried
from near the left of his line, across the angle formed by the
Unes of obUque intersection of the 9th Maine with the 97th P. V.,
and intercepted about two hundred men of that regiment, a lieute-
nant being the only officer with them. With considerable difficulty,
he succeeded in rallying them and formed line, discharging a few
volleys, but the rebels, having gained the shelter of the trenches,
opened a steady fire upon the position, under which it was impos-
sible to keep the demoralized men faced to the enemy. They soon
broke and ran for cover. • Maj. Price then found himself cut off
from his regiment, which stiU held its position, the fire of the enemy
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^^■] ACTION AT GREEN PLAINS, VA. 277
covering the open field intervening. Just then three skirmish lines
of the 13th Ind. were observed advancing in succession across the
field toward Maj. Price, who immediately joined the advance line
and was leading the men to the support of the •97th P. V.; but the
fire of the enemy, sweeping every part of the field, soon cut down
all before it. Almost every man of the three lines fell, either killed
or wounded.
A rebel battery of field pieces had opened from a position on the
left with grape and canister immediately after they gained the
trenches occupied by the 9th Maine. This terrible hail was also
poured upon us. Maj. Price was struck by a spent canister shot
in the right thigh, and fell slightly wounded. He was able to crawl
forward about twenty yards to a ditch, where a few of the men from
the left of the 97th P. V. had already found shelter, having retired
when the enemy began to assail their flank and rear. The 97th P.
V. was enabled by its continuous fire to hold the advance of the
rebels in its immediate front in check for a time, but when the
enemy had fully occupied the line held by the 9th Maine, the 97th
P. v., being assaulted in the fiank and rear, could no longer hold
their position — the enemy gradually advancing along the intrenched
line — the men of the 97th P. V. had to choose between capture or
running the gauntlet of the open field to the shelter of the ditch a
few yards in the rear. A portion of the 4th N. H., occupying the
line to the right of the 97th P. V., was also forced to retire The
most escaped in safety, but many were wounded there, and pre-
viously, by shot and shell.
Capt. J. M. C. Savage, Company B, on the right, was left in com-
mand of the detachment of the 97th P. V. when Maj. Price assumed
command of the entire line abandoned by the field ofiicer. Capt.
Savage was severely wounded in the left hip and abdomen while
bravely holding the ditch. He was carried off the field by some of
his men. Over one fourth of the number were killed or wounded;
a few were captured by the enemy.
When it was realized at head-quarters that the enemy had ad-
vanced and occupied a portion of our line, the 13th Ind. and about
three hundred men of the 97th P. V., who were not on duty when
the line was captured in the morning, under command of Col.
Cyrus J. Dobbs, of the 13th Ind., were ordered to advance and re-
capture the line. It seemed impossible even yet for those in au-
thority to realize the nature of the attack the enemy had made.
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278 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. I^^'
else surely so inadequate a force would never have been thus reck-
lessly sent to assault a force so greatly superior, in a line so well
intrenched.
When arrived near the front, Company D, of the 97th P. V.,
under command of Capt. W. S. Mendenhall, was sent forward to
reconnoitre. At about 4 P. M., Lieut. Col. Pennypacker was or-
dered, by Col. Dobbs, to form his regiment in line of battle across
the open field and to charge the right of the rebel Unes, stating that
the centre was already taken. Company D. was then withdrawn
and formed on the left of the other companies. Lieut. Col. Penny-
packer then advanced his line across the field toward the rebel po-
sition, charging in gallant style, the men keeping well together
When within one hundred yards of the rebel lines a murderous fire
of musketry, grape and canister, from six field pieces, was poured
through their ranks, mowing them down in swift destruction, until
more than half the line was prostrated. Still the noble fellows kept
on with their gallant leader, who had twice fallen, and rising again
pushed forward, cheering his men in the effort to reach the rebel
lines. But falling again, for the third timo, severely wounded, his
shattered and broken ranks were compelled to retire, taking shelter
in the ravine, previously noticed, where they remained until dark,
it being impossible to gain the rear exposed to the vrithering fire of
Gen. Pickett's division.
During the advance, seven color bearers were shot down succes-
sively, as they, in turn, grasped the standard from the hands of
those who fell in the desperate charge, the last of the guard, himself
wounded, bringing the tattered banner and its shattered staff safely
from the field, pierced with over one hundred bullets, three of
which struck the staff.
While in this position, several efforts were made, by the enemy,
to capture the men, but they kept up a fire on the rebel forces that
approached. When their ammunition was nearly exhausted, a man
of the 13th Ind., who was with the 97th P. V., recollected that his
company, when ordered into the action, had left some boxes of ammu-
nition at a point some distance off, which he thought he could find,
the only difiiculty being to cross the space swept by the enem/s
guns. Corp. I. A. Cleaver, of Company C, though severely
wounded in the foot, volunteered to help him make the attempt.
They succeeded in crawling beyond the range of fire, secured the
contents of the boxes in their gum blankets and returned a distance
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'^•1 ACTION AT 6REBK PLAINS, VA. 279
of near one-quarter of a mile, again successfully evading the fire,
and reached the ravine with their ammunition.
By crawling stealthily through the grass, some of the dead and
wounded were reached and brought to the ravine, by the edge of
which the dead were laid and buried by covering them with earth
dug to make a more defensive shelter from th^ enemy's fire. The
picket line had been re-established at some distance in the rear of
the ravine. At dark, those who still occupied it, with Capts. Men-
denhaU and Lewis, were in the dilemma of having to run the
gauntlet of a double fire, the pickets being required to be vigi-
lant against the approach of the enemy. Upon consultation, they
determined to wait until the moonrise, about 10 P. M., should give
them better advantage. Sergt. Cleaver, whose wound had become
very painfiil, was the first to go in. After crawling about one hun-
dred yards, he was observed and hailed by the pickets of his own
company, who recognized his voice. He passed in, and the signal
agreed upon, two guns, were then fired to inform the others that
they could now come back in safety. The wounded were then car-
ried to the rear, where stretchers were in readiness to bear them to
the hospital. The men returned to camp stiff, sore and weary, a
mere squad of those who started out in the morning.
The charge of the 97th P. V. was the admiration of all who
witnessed it, being in full view of both lines on an open plain,
and made with a steadiness and daring seldom if ever equalled — a
brilliant movement, led bravely and gallantly by Lieut. Col. Penny-
packer, then a slender youth, yet a veteran in the service, who
knew how to obey orders even at such fatal risk. Knowing it muBt
he fruitless, because unsupported, neither he nor the brave men with
him thought of aught but duty, and they n^ver faltered at the com-
Hiand "Forward."
It was not until after this charge, at such fearful cost, and the
loss of so many of its brave and noble men, cut down in a moment
of time, that the results of Maj. Price's observation in the morning
could be fiilly comprehended at head-quarters, or the fact realized
that the enemy had massed a heavy fcrrce in our front for an attack.
Need it have required such terrible sacrifice to verify what should
have been accepted as reported and guarded against before the time
for averting the danger had been lost?
When Lieut. Col. Pennypacker was carried from the field, by his
men, it was found that he was wounded severely through the right
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280 HISTORI OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. P^^'
arm, left leg and right side. He received the kind and prompt
attention of Surgeon J. R. Everhart, acting brigade surgeon, who
dressed his wounds at the camp of the Regiment. He remained in
his tent until the next day, when he was sent to the general hospital
at Fortress Monroe. He subsequently returned to West Chester,
where he remained until partially recovered, and rejoined the Regi-
ment at Bermuda Hundred, Va., August 12, 1864,
The officers killed in this action were 1st Lieut. Isaac Fawkes,
Company D, a faithful soldier and reliable officer, who was shot
through the groin and side. 1st. Lieut. George H. Dumall and 2d
Lieut. Lewis H. Watkin, both of Company fl, were left on the field
where they fell, our men being prevented from reaching them by the
enemy's sharp-shooters. Both were young men of great merit, and
had but recently been promoted. Company H lost all its commis-
sioned officers, and nearly all its non-commissioned officers either
killed or wounded. Capt. George A. Lemaistre was severely
wounded in the left wrist and left leg; Sergt. John A. Russell,
Company H, who brought in the colors after they had fallen from
six successive bearers stricken down, was also severely wounded in
the leg. In addition to Maj. Price and Capt. Savage, already men-
tioned as having been wounded early in the action, the following
officers were also wounded, viz.: Capt. William S. Mendenhall, Com-
pany D, slightly wounded in the abdomen; Capt. D. W. C. Lewis,
Company F, slightly in left foot; 1st Lieut. Gasway O. Yarn all, Com-
pany G, slightly in the breast, and 2d Lieut. William H. H. Gibson,
Company I, severely in the left knee. Capts. Savage and Lemaistre
and Lieut. Gibson were sent to the.U. S. Hospital, at Fortress Mon-
roe, Va. The two former, in consequence of the severity of their
wounds, were prevented from rejoining the Regiment.
Capt. Savage was discharged on October 22, 1864, and Capt. Le-
maistre on September 20, 1864. Lieut. Gibson returned to his
company in July, and served with the Regipient until its final
muster out, after being promoted to 1st lieutenant.
The wounded were conveyed in ambulances from the brigade
hospital to the Point of Rocks, on the night of the 20th and morn-
ing of the 21st, where about one hundred of those most severely
wounded were placed on board the hospital boat Sylvan Shore,
under the charge of Dr. Sawyer, a volunteer surgeon serving with
the medical corps. These were transferred to the hospitals at
Fortress Monroe.
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^®^J ACTION AT GREEN PLAINS, VA. 281
About thirty-three others of the 97th P. V., with a number of
other wounded soldiers were placed on board the barge Gen. Wool,
on the 21st, and conveyed under charge of a volunteer surgeon to
Bermuda Hundred Landing, where they were transferred to the
hospital boat City of New York, under charge of Col. (since brevet
brigadier general) John E. Mulford, of the 3d N. Y.
These were sent to Hammond Hospital, Point Lookout, Md.
Eight of these wounded men were afterward transferred to the
Veteran Reserve Corps. One of the number, 1st Sergt. James
Edgar Engle, Company I, who was wounded in the face, body and
arm, the latter amputated, was discharged on August 24, following,
to accept promotion as 2d lieutenant in the 16th Veteran Reserve
Corps, Col. Charles M. Prevost, with which he served until mustered
out at the close of the war.
Of the captured, only two were exchanged, one of whom returned
to the Regiment. But few of those severely wounded ever recovered
sufficiently to rejoin their companies, being mustered out in hospital
on account of wounds or of expiration of term. Of those who
were able to rejoin the Regiment, several were soon afterward again
wounded, some within a few days after their return.
The following exhibits the loss sustained by each company during
the action of the 20th, known as that of Green Plains, Va., viz.:
field and staff, one wounded; Company A, two killed, five wounded,
one captured; Company B, one killed, seven wounded; Company
C, four killed, twenty-one wounded, one captured ; Company D, four
killed, nine wounded; Company E, one killed, three wounded, ten
captured ; Company F, seven kill^, eighteen wounded ; Company
G, four killed, sixteen wounded; Company H, ten killed, ^fourteen
wounded; Company I, four killed, twenty wounded; Company K,
ten killed, fifteen wounded. Total, one hundred and eighty-eight.
.For several days after this action the Regiment seemed broken,
sad and desolate; so many in each company had fallen, which
caused mourning for companions and friends, and the wounded being
sent off to the general hospital, were also missed from their tents;
at roll call the sad answer, "Dead," "Wounded," or "Prisoner,"
told of the absence of many who never again responded to the call.
Every effort continued to be made to reach the bodies of the
slain, which still lay unburied between the lines, the enemy re-
fusing to allow our men to move out for the purpose with a flag of
truce. Each night two or three were brouglit in, until all were
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282 HISTORY OF THE NINBTr-SEVKNTH REGIMENT. P^^'
brought off that the daring men could reach by crawling stealthily
over the field.
Maj. Price's wound causing but slight lameness, he resumed duty
on the 23d, when he took command of the Regiment, retaining it
until August 13.
After the disastrous action of the 20th of May, those responsible
for the unfortunate mistake which thrust the 97th P. V. into the
jaws of death and needless slaughter, in order to escape the deserved
censure attaching to such a blunder, sought to cast the blame upon
Lieut. Col. Pennypacker through intimations that he did not move
in accordance with his orders.
An account of the action, published in the New York Tribune
and New York Herald, evidently prepared by those interested in
shifting the responsibility of the disaster upon others, stated " That
Lieut. Col. Pennypacker, not properly understanding the order,
moved across the open field instead of under cover of the wood."
This seemed too unjust to be allowed to pass in silence. The officers
and men of the Regiment could not permit this attempt to mar the
fair fame of their gallant leader to go unrebuked. It was more
than endurable that their fallen comrades should have been so need-
lessly slaughtered, without this base attempt to slaughter the repu-
tation of their brave commander. A communication was, there-
fore, prepared, on the morning the libellous report was received,
while the Regiment was lying at a halt by the way, awaiting the
assembling of the brigade for the march. After being attested, by
every officer and man who heard the order given, it was duly for-
warded to the Tribune office and was published in that journal, in
vindication of our brave wounded leader.
A CORRECTION.
HiAD-QuABTERS 97th P. V., IOth a. C, in thb Field, neab Cmr Point, Va.,
May 27, 1864.
To the Editor of the New York Tribune :
Sib: I desire to correct some of the statemente of your correspoDdent J. W.,
of date May 20, from this place. The parenthetical remark (quoted from J. W.),
that ** the most accurate observer is liable to be misinformed," will obviate the
need of apology for my so doing. The first error is in stating that 'Hhe 91th
New Yorh*^ was a part of the force occupying the rifle pits. It was the 97t^
Pennsylvania, which, with a portion of the 4th N. H., were in the centre of the
line and remained in the trenches until the rebels had gained their rear through
the opening left by the retiring of the 9th Maine, the 9th Maine being on the
left of the line attacked. The next error is the statement that " the leader of
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^^•*^1 ACTION AT GREEN PLAINS, VA. 283
tiie 97tb P. Y., in the charge upon the left, had mistaken, or rather not followed
his orders." The orders were plwnlj given, bj Col. Cyrus J. Dobbs, of the 13th
Ind, to whom Lieut. Ool. Pennjpaclrar, commanding the 97th P. Y., was ordered
to report, and were distinctly heard by Lieut. Col. Pennypacker, by Capt. D. W.
C. Lewis, commanding Company F, by Ist Lieut. J. T. Skiles, acting adjutant
9Tth P. Y, and by several other officers and men of the Regiment who were
Dear enough to render any mistake impossible. All agree in testifying to the
words of the command: ''Colonel, form your regiment In line and charge the
left of those works, the right is taken." The charge was made with that prompt
and unquestioning obedience to orders characteristic of the gallant officer who
led it.
Your correspondent is in error, also, when he states that **they ran desperately
forward, hesitated, wavered and ran back all in a moment of time." On the
contrary, the regularity of the line and its steady, unwavering front, even under
the murderous fire of grape and canister and terrible musketry of the enemy,
is the universal testimony of thousands who witnessed it; and when at length
the utter impossibility of gaining the rifle pits became apparent — when more than
half the line had fallen and the leader of the brave boys was three times
wounded and down, a halt was made and the order to retire given — the line
came back in order slowly across the open space where so many had fallen.
There was no "run," no "wavering," no "mistaking of orders." "Somebody had
blundered," but it was neither the 91th P. F. nor its gallant leader, who only
too well obeyed the orders given him. 'Tis said in the famous charge of the
Six Hundred, "somebody blundered ;" so in this. But the order was obeyed as
faUhfully, leaving a record rivaling that famous one in its fearful carnage. Let
no imputation of error or mistake be cast upon the brave who fell, needlessly
fell, following their gallant leader, in obedience to orders, "into the jaws of
death."
Another correspondent, same date, signed W. H. E., states that the 97th P.
V. and 13th Ind., in an attempt to retake the rifle pits, were ordered to move
through (through italicized) the woods. Those regiments moved jtist where they
were ordered to move, as can be abundantly proven where the facts are known.
Respectfully, yours, Isaiah Price,
Capt. 97th P. Y, Comd'g Reg't.
This communication was republished in the papers of Chester
and Delaware Counties. It was expected that the publication
might subject the writer to censure, perhaps to the extent of for-
feiting his commission in the service. But in view of the circum-
8tan(>e8 this risk was accepted, believing it was justified and rested
as a paramount duty upon the present commander of the Regiment,
in vindication of his friend and commanding officer, now helpless
and defenceless from his wounds, yet feeling all the more keenly the
injustice of the published reports of the aflfair.
On May 21, part of the Regiment again went on duty in the
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284 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. t^^^'
trenches. The enemy had been constantly increasing their force in
front of Gen. Butler's position. Gen. Pickett's division having in-
trenched the ground secured on the 20th, and mounted his artillery,
opened fire upon Gen. Butler's works. His shot and shell came
crashing at intervals through the camps in the rear of the intrench-
ments. It became evident the enemy meant to attack.
About 10 P. M., on the 21st, Gen. Butler was apprised, by a
messenger from the front, that the enemy were massing their forces
in front of Gen. Gillmore's position, the centre of the line. Butler
nonchalantly replied, "Let them mass, but guard against surprise."
The valiant troops of Gen. Gillmore, thus menaced, were alvxiys on
the alert. Deep ravines protected the lines on Gen. Butler's right
and an impassable swamp and a ravine also rendered his left quite
secure from attack. The centre was, therefore, the only available
point for the enemy to concentrate upon. Shortly before midnight,
a volley of musketry broke the stillness and aroused the toil-worn
soldiers in the camp. The call to arms was beat before the echoes
of the enemy's guns had been repeated. The timely discovery of
their intentions afforded Gen. Gillmore ample opportunity to give
them a warm reception. Our pickets, in front of Gen. Ames' line,
received the enemy's fire with great steadiness, returning volley for
volley as they gradually retired upon their reserve. When the
rebel column approached it was received with a most withering fire.
Our men then dropped to allow the artillery to play over them and
upon the enemy. The siege guns and light batteries then com-
menced their work. The advance of the rebels was mowed down
like grass, but they came up to the breach like veterans, filling up
the gaps as the men fell, but the incessant fire from our batteries
at last halted them and the confident foe was stayed in their mad
career. Gen. Beauregard led the assaulting column — ^a very heavy
force. The attack was most impetuous and, but for Gen. Gillmore's
wariness and skill, supported by the indomitable courage and valor
of his well-tried 10th Corps, might have succeeded. The battle
lasted nearly two hours and was probably one of the most desperate
conflicts, in the time occupied and the number of men engagec^ that
occurred during the war. Soon after the action commenced, a shell
from one of Capt. Loomis L. Langdon's Battery M, 1st U. S. Art'y,
struck and exploded a rebel caisson, scattering death and destruction
all around it. The gunboats in the James and Appomatox Rivers
also opened their batteries and operated successfrilly against the
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18W.1 Beauregard's assault on the intrenchments repulsed. 285
enemy's flanks and their reserve forces in the rear. Gen. Gillmore's
loss was about ten killed and fifty wounded.
When the enemy had withdrawn, our men proceeded to bury
the rebel killed left on the* field. Among the wounded prisoners
who fell into our hands was Brig. Gen. William S. Walker, whose
leg was amputated by Surgeon John J. Craven, of the medical de-
partment, 10th Corps. He subsequently recovered and was paroled
and exchanged.
The position occupied by Butler's forces^ on a neck of land
formed by the course of the two rivers, was now demonstrated to be
impregnable to any force, however formidable, that might attempt
to take it while defended by the veterans of the 10th and 18th
Corps.
On the 22d, a working party of the en^my appeared in front of
our works and began to use their spades and axes. One of our
batteries opened fire upon them and, by a few well-directed shots,
postponed their operations. The 97th P. V. continued to furnish a
part of the regular detail for duty at the front each day until the
27th, when, in conformity with orders received from Gen. Grant, to
send him all the troops that could with safety be spared, to reinforce
the Army of the Potomac, then on the peninsula, advancing upon
Richmond, Gen. Butler dispatched the 18th Corps and the 2d divi-
sion of the 10th, being about seventeen thousand of the most efficient
men of his entire force of twenty-five thousand, under command of
Brig. Gen. William F. Smith, with orders to proceed to White
House, Va. The 97th P. V. had been transferred, on May 28, from
the 1st brigade, 3d division, to the 3d brigade, 2d division, 10th .
Corps. Col. H. R. Guss was assigned to the command of the bri-
gade; the division being commanded by Gen. A. Ames.
The division left the front on the afternoon of May 27, marched
three miles and encamped, for the night, near the Burnt House,
about three miles from Bermuda Hundred Landing. The march to
the landing was resumed the next afi;emoon. The 97th P. V.,
being one of the last to embark, had halted at some distance from
the wharf; when ready to go on board, after dark, were piloted to
the vessel by Lieut. Col. William L. James and his brother, E. F.
James, both of West Chester. The former, being Gen. Butler^s chief
quarter-master, had provided well for his friends of the 97th P. V.
in the assignment of transports. The brief period of the embarka-
tion was rendered most pleasant by the presence and attention of
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286 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. f ^^^
those familiar friends who were personally known to many in the
Regiment. Gen. Smith's force, having all embarked, proceeded
down the James River to Fortress Monroe, Va., thence up the Pa^
munky River to White House, Va., where the troops were landed
on May 30. The regiments of the 10th Corps encamped about
half a mile from the landing, under shelter tents, to await the ar-
rival of the remainder of the division. The 18th Corps marched
immediately to the front. While at White House Landing, the
1st Regiment Pennsylvania Reserves, commanded by Col. William
Cooper Talley, of Delaware County, arrived, en route home, their
term of service having expired. They had in charge about seven
hundred rebel prisoners, captured, by Grant's Army, at the Wilder-
ness. There were many happy meetings of fiiends and relatives
among the officers and men of the two regiments, some of the com-
panies having been recruited in the same locality. The Reserves
had also occupied Camp Wayne.
On June 2, Col. Guss was relieved of the command of the 3d
brigade and returned to his regiment; but did not resume the com-
mand, having, for reasons more fully stated in a future paragraph,
tendered his resignation to the commanding general of the depart-
ment; he awaited its acceptance. Col. Louis Bell, of the 4th N. H.,
was now assigned to the command of the brigade, to which the
169th N. Y. had been added. Col. Bell was quite desirous to have
Adjt. H. W. Carruthers, of the 97th P. V., upon his staff as acting
assistant adjutant general. Twice the detail was made and the
colonel twice made the request personally, but the adjutant politely
declined his kind offer, preferring to remain with his regiment,
knowing that his own desire was seconded by Maj. Price, who,
while unwilling to allow his wishes to stand in the way of this pro-
motion, felt the need of his support in the command of the Regi-
ment after the departure of their beloved commander. From this
time, until August 22, when he was stricken down in battle, Adjt
Carruthers stood by the Regiment and its commander with a fidelity
unequalled, never absent from the head-quarters or from his post of
duty for over half an hour at a time. During most of this period,
both officers were constantly engaged in the front line, with the
Regiment ready for instant service, night and day, often without
opportunity of laying aside arms or accoutrements, save to unbuckle
the gear and lay down with the harness on, prepared to repel the
night attack at the opportune moment.
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^^•*-^ ACTION AT COLD HARBOR, VA. 287
The 97th P. V. remained at White House until June 3, furnish-
ing its portion of the picket force at that place, until ready to march
to the front. On that day, at 2 P. M., Gen. Ames' division started
on the march for Cold Harbor, Va. Soon after leaving camp, met
trains of supply wagons, from Grant's Army, on the way to White
House for rations; also ambulances with the wounded from the action
of the previous day at Cold Harbor. The march was very fatiguing,
owing to the extreme heat and the dust of the roads. Parties of
skirmishers were kept out on the flanks during the march. These oc-
casionally encountered straggling rebel cavalry scouts, capturing
several by the way.
After a march of about seventeen miles, reached the lines at Cold
Harbor at 1 A. M., on the 4th, having halted for over an hour at
sunset to rest the men and get supper.
POSITION OF eSN. SMITB^B COMMAND AT COLD HARBOR, YA.
The Regiment went immediately upon duty with Gen. Smith's
command, in the front line, confronting Gen. Longstreet's Corps.
Firing commenced 90on after daylight ; first on the right, then on
the left; then in our front; attack and repulse, counter attack and
repulse followed, as had been the case on the previous day; the
battle being renewed with determination, on the part of the rebels,
to drive our army from its position. The rank and file of this por-
tion of the Army of the James seemed conscious of their duty and
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288 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. t^y»
the importance of sustaining their reputation before the army of the
Potomac, with which it was then for the first time associated in
battle. Our men stood up to their work with a steadfastness and reso-
lution seldom equalled. The interval between the lines was covered
with the dead, dying and maimed soldiers of each army; but the
firing was so incessant that it was certain death to attempt to reach
them. The crash and roar of artillery, the rattling of musketry, the
bright glare of flashing guns, the deep yell and cheer of the charge
along the line, filled the air with the din of battle almost without
interruption.
A succession of battles ensued from the 2d of June to the 6th, the
heaviest on the 3d, but by no means decisive; neither army be-
coming master of the field at that time. A short suspension of
hostilities occurred on June 6, when each side gathered up their
wounded and buried their dead. The position of the 97th P. V.,
from the time it arrived at Cold Harbor until the withdrawal of the
troops, on June 12, was one of danger, at the front continually, being
moved from point to point on the line held by the 18th Corps and
the 2d division of the 10th, wherever an attack was threatened.
Bravely and well did the Regiment maintain its reputation for
courage and efficiency at all times, the men fiilfilling their duty
promptly and uncomplainingly.
On the evening of June 4, the Regiment being on duty at the front,
Maj. Price received orders, from Col. Curtis, of the 142d N. Y.,
commanding Ist brigade, 2d division, and in command of the line,
to send out a detail of men to fell trees to prevent the enemy ad-
vancing through the wood. A covering party was also sent out. The
men were fired upon by the enemy, close in front, as soon as the cut-
ting commenced. Private Wellington S. Fisher, Company F, with
the covering party, in attempting to gain the shelter of a stump
from which to keep up a return fire, was shot and instantly killed
by a rebel concealed behind the stump he was endeavoring to reach.
Several others were wounded. Seeing that further effort would
result in needless sacrifice of the men, Maj. Price reported the situa-
tion to Col. Curtis, who ordered the work discontinued.
While at Cold Harbor, Va., Lieut. Col. Baynton J. Hickman, of
the 49th P. V., a Chester Countian, visited the Regiment and passed
several hours at head-quarters, where he w^^ cordially welcomed by
many friends and associates among the officers and men of the 97di
P. v., it being quite a rare occurrence, in our experience, to meet
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^^1 ACTION AT COLD HARBOR, VA, 289
with home friends in the service, owing to having been so long iso-
lated from Pennsylvania regiments other than the 55th, 76th, y5th
and 104th P. V., and those not of our own district.
The casualties in the 97th P. V., at Cold Harbor, Va., were one
killed and nine wounded, and one man of Company F, missing.
On June 12, the forces
at Cold Harbor were with-
drawn. The Army of the
Potomac moved toward the
James River, which it crossed
at Wilcox's Landing. The
18th Corps and the 2d divi-
sion of the 10th were the
last to leave Cold Harbor. ^^^ 3^„„,, head-quaetees, cold hahbor.
Gen, Smith remained at his
head-quarters, warily observant of the enemy in his front, until his
troops were on the march returning to White House Landing.
They embarked on transports, June 13, and proceeded, via Pa-
munky and James Rivers, to Point of Rocks, near City Point, where
the 97th P. V. landed at dark, on the 14th, and marched to the bluff
near the landing, where it prepared to bivouac for the night. At 9
P. M., orders were received to join the remainder of the division,
encamped near the Burnt House, three miles distant. The march
occupied until midnight. At 5 o'clock, on the next morning, the
division was on the return march toward the Appomattox River, by
the same route the Regiment had taken during the night, passing
the spot where it had bivouacked, and might have remained resting
until morning, but for the i^ed tape orders that moved it to where
the division was encamped.
The troops of Gen. Smith's command crossed the Appomattox,
on a pontoon bridge, near the lookout signal station, at Point of
Rocks; then advanced toward Petersburg, in three columns: Gen.
Martindale's division of the 18th Corps moved upon the right, and
Gen. W. T. H Brooks' division, 18th Corps, with the 2d division
of the 10th, occupied the centre, while Kautz's Cavalry advanced
upon the extreme left in order to reach the Norfolk and Petersburg
Railroad. The centre column came on the first lines of the enemy's
works about five miles from Petersburg. These were carried by
Gen. Hink's colored troops, with a loss of about sixty-five in killed
and wounded. Two field pieces and a few prisoners were captured.
19
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290
HISTORY OP THE NINETT-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
[Jiae,
DBFSNOBB OF BICHMOIO) AHD PBTBB8BUBG.
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^^] ACTION AT PETERSBURG HEIGHTS. 291
The march was continued rapidly by the advancing columns until,
within two and a half miles of Petersburg, the enemy's intrenched
lines were reached, extending from the Appomattox across the range
of commanding heights near the city, forming a strong line of de-
fence. The troops w ere formed in line, under cover of a wood and
sprout clearings, which skirted the open fields before the enemy's
works, across which the range was unobstructed. When the line
had been extended sufficiently, the men were directed to lie down
and await orders.
Capt. James' Battery, Company C, 3d R. I. Art'y, maintained a
well-directed fire upon the enemy's works during the afternoon.
A line of skirmishers was sent, forward through the clearing to re-
connoitre the position. The enemy opened fire upon these, by
which many of the men lying in the wood were wounded ; among
them several of the 97th P. V. Just before sunset. Gen. Smith
moved the 18th Corps and the 2d division of the 10th in three
lines upon the enemy's works. First, a line of skirmishers reached
and carried some French rifle pits from which the enemy had
continued to fire until they were close upon them ; then begged for
quarters. The 97th P. V., in the second line, advanced upon and
drove the enemy from the next line of rifle pits; then pushed upon
the strong earthworks upon the heights, four of which were carried
in succession by the division and the 18th Corps. The entire force^
making a brilliant charge, occupied the earthworks with but little
loss, capturing four hundred prisoners, sixteen field pieces and con-
siderable ammunition.
These works, consisting of a powerfiil salient, four redoubts, and
a connecting line of intrenchments, were built in the most sub-
stantial and approved manner, formidable and impressive, suggestive
of the wide difference between the positions of assault and defence.
Capt. James' Battery supported the charge gallantly, keeping up
an incessant fire until the moment our men reached the crest of
the earthworks. The force occupying* the lines where the charge
was made were surprised by the suddenness of the advance. Re-
inforcements were being pushed to the front from the workshops of
Petersburg. Some of the prisoners captured had been engaged at
their usual avocations in the city at noon of that day. Our loss
was comparatively small, owing mainly to the well-directed fire of
Capt. James' Battery, keeping the enemy from firing.
The importance of this line of works could only be appreciated by
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292 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEYENTH REGIMENT. fJan^'
those who examined it. Those who participated in the capture feel
confident that it was one of the most brilliant successes of the war.
They will always have a pride in their share therein.
Gen Smith, satisfied with his success, rested his forces until morn-
ing, notwithstanding the clearness and brightness of the full moon
favored a continuance of the advance before the enemy could be re-
inforced from Richmond and Lee's Army. Gen. Hancock, with two
divisions of the 2d Corps, forming the van guard of the Army of the
Potomac, came up at nightfall, and, courteously waiving seniority,
tendered his force to Gen. Smith, who put part of it into the cap-
tured works, relieving his own troops, but made no further advance.
Gen. Hancock, who had not, up to 5 P. M. of that day, been ap-
prized that Petersburg was to be assaulted, had lost some hours of
the morning waiting for rations, and some further time had been
lost in marching, by an inaccurate
map taking him too far to the left.
After the earthworks on the
heights had been captured, the 97th
P. V. moved to the right, and occu-
pied the heights at Dr. Friend^s
house, an eminence overlooking the
city of Petersburg and the inter-
vening country; two lines of the
DiL r««in»'s ^imo. cuomy being in plain view, the next
morning, at the foot of the slope.
During the night, the reverse face of the hill was intrenched,
which occupied the troops until morning. Advance parties were sent
forward, during the early part of the night, to ascertain the position
of the enemy. They were able to proceed for a considerable dis-
tance, encountering only straggling parties, a few of whom were
captured. Later in the night, the rebel lines were re-established
at a short distance in our front. Before morning, a very diflFerent
enemy confronted and menaced the advance upon Petersburg.
The van of Lee's veterans was now before us. By their arrival,
the fall of Petersburg, so imminent and so possible the evening
before, was now indefinitely postponed.
Early on the morning of the 16th, a line of skirmishers vnth
strong support, dashed rapidly forward, from Gen. Smith's lines,
near Friend's house, to intercept and capture a rebel force, occupy-
ing a position behind some buildings on the banks of Harrison's
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^^^i ACTION AT PETERSBURG HEIGHTS. 293
creek, three hundred yards distant. They were met by a severe fire
from the enemy which caused the line to waver. Seeing the peril of
the situation and the need of encouragement, the boys of the 97th
P. V. arose in the trenches and sent forth hearty cheers. The line
then dashed forward again and carried the position, capturing over
two hundred prisoners. The batteries at Friend's house had, by a
well^iirected fire, routed this force from the adjacent trenches, to
seek concealment behind the bank and the buildings.
The day following being excessively hot, and the men exhausted
by previous marches, there was no further advance made. Occa-
sional firing was kept up between the skirmish lines of the opposing
forces.
During the 16th, Gen. Warren, with the 5th Corps, and Gen.
Bumside, with the 9th, came up, followed by the greater part of the
Army of the Potomac,
Gen. Smith now occupied the right, reaching from the Appomat-
toi to the heights just beyond Friend's house. Burnside, War-
ren and Hancock extended the line toward the left, with Kautz's
Cavalry covering the flank.
Gen. Meade, having
made this disposition of
his army, returned to
City Point for consulta-
tion with Gen. Grant, at
his head-quarters. Gen.
Meade, at 2 P. M., was
agam at the front, making gbn. orakt^b hbad-quabtbks at city point.
preparations for a general
assault, which was delivered at 6 P. M. Hancock's, Burnside's and
part of Warren's Corps went forward, facing bravely a terrible fire
from a sheltered and formidable foe.
A night of combat and carnage resulted in a general advance
of our lines at heavy cost. Maj. Gen. Bimey's division of the
2d Corps had stormed and carried the ridge in his front, while
Bumside, repelled at first by the deadly fire he encountered,
carried, at daylight, the outwork defying him, capturing four guns
and four hundred prisoners. Brig. Gen. Robert B. Potter's division,
which made this desperate charge, was now relieved by Brig. Gen.
James H. Ledlie's, which pushed Burnside's advance still further to
a point within a mile and a half of the city. At other points, there
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294 HISTORl OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. V^^*
had been less progress, which left part of Bumside's position pro-
jected somewhat through the enemy's otherwise continuous lines-
Upon this projection, the next night, the enemy made a most
vigorous assault, driving Burnside's forces back with heavy loss.
At 5 P. M., on the 16th, the brigade was ordered to the support
of the 2d Corps, engaged in an assault on the left of the line. The
97th P. V. reached its destination about 9 P. M., in time to support
the advance made by Hancock's troops, and relieved a force that
had driven* the enemy about half a mile through the woods, across
ravines and gullies to a point near an old rebel camp of log huts.
It was requisite to move cautiously and avoid any exposure, as the
enemy was in close proximity to our position in a strong line of
intrenchments. The remainder of the night was spent in reversing
and strengthening the works captured. This was accomplished
under a heavy fire, but the Regiment escaped without casualties.
On the morning of the 17th, it was found that the line was so
close to the enemy, and so much exposed, as to render it difficult to
relieve the line in the usual manner by daylight. The relieving
force found shelter under the crest of rising ground in the rear.
An orderly reached Maj. Price, with verbal directions to him to
have his men get back into the rear line the best way they could.
The orderly was then asked: "Where is the force that is to relieve
the Regiment?" The answer was: "Lying back there, over the
ridge." Maj. Price replied: "They must come in here before we
go out, for the 97th Regiment will never leave this line empty
without a written order from the officer in command." The written
order was brought. Maj. Price then went along the line and ex-
plained to the men that, at a signal from him, they must all spring
out of the trenches and back into the next line, which was accom-
plished with slight casualties, several making narrow escapes. Pri-
vate J. J. Still, Company C, being struck, it was thought he was
killed; but, when pulled over the ridge into safety, it was found the
ball had e&tered his cartridge-box, glancing off without causing
much injury. The relieving force then ran forward into the line.
A detachment of the 2d Corps relieved the brigade at 8 A. M.
The most of the regiments rested during the day, a short distance in
rear of the line, it being deemed advisable to keep the force near at
hand in case of attack. A heavy advance picket was thrown for-
ward to drive the rebel pickets from their position in front of
Friend's house, on the old race course, near Petersburg, from which
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^^•*-l THE ADVANCE AGAINST PETERSBURG. 295
quarter an attack by the enemy was anticipated. Capt. W. S. Men-
denhall was in command of the detail from the 3d brigade, consist-
ing of Companies D and G of the 97th P. V., and other companies
of die brigade, in all about three hundred men.* They advanced
and drove the enemy from their rifle pits in the cornfield, and
occupied the entire valley. This force was subjected to a heavy
fire during most of the day. The men found shelter in pits dug
with their bayonets, taking advantage of every favorable point in
the ground. Capt. Mendenhall's force was relieved, later in the
evening, by a detail from the 6th Corps, when he was directed by an
aid-de-camp to report at Friend's house for instructions. He there
learned that the division was on the march toward Bermuda Hun-
dred, it having been ordered to rejoin the lX)th Corps at that place*
The march of the division commenced about 9 P. M. Heavy mus-
ketry firing was heard along the entire line, while moving to the
right, indicating a still further advance upon the enemy's lines.
Capt. Mendenhall's detachment overtook the Regiment just after
it had crossed the pontoon bridge near Point of Rocks. The divi-
sion arrived at the intrenchments near Foster Place at midnight and
encamped, the men being worn out with their long night's march,
continuous hard work in the trenches, and in action at the front,
having lost much rest during several successive nights. The Regi-
ment continued to ftimish its portion of the pickets with the other
troops stationed at Bermuda Hundred.
A number of sick men who had been left in the field hospital and
at City Point Hospital, when the Regiment was ordered to Cold
Harbor, now rejoined it. With them came Elwood P. Baldwin,
formerly 1st lieutenant of Company H, who had resigned in No-
vember, 1862, and returned home on account of sickness. He had
recovered and returned to the Regiment, having re^enlisted as a
private in his old company. In a short time, he was detailed for
duty in the brigade commissary department, and afterward received
promotion.
Col. H. R. Guss having tendered his resignation to the command-
ing general, on account of the manifest injustice exhibited toward
him, by a commanding officer, received notice of its acceptance on
June 23. It would not be proper to give in detail an account of
^Capt. Mendenhall thinks that aDother company of the 9Uh P. Y. was with
him, either B or E, bat his recollection is not clear upon this point.
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296 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. W""*'
the want of fairness with which this faithful and efficient officer was
persistently treated during most of the period subsequent to his re-
suming command of the brigade at Drury's Bluflf, May 14. It cul-
minated in his being relieved of his command, on the march to
Cold Harbor, Va., June 4, under circumstances indicating the deter-
mination arrived at to fill his place with a personal favorite, his
junior in rank and inferior in qualification, under whose command
Col.- Guss was ordered to resume the command of his Regiment.
Conscious of the undeserved humiliation intended, self-respect
demanded that he adopt the only course left him consistent with
his untarnished honor.
Before parting with their beloved colonel and brigade commander,
the officers of his regiment united in a testimonial, expressive of
their regard and sincere regret, yet recognizing the necessity
of the course determined upon as the only one possible under the
circumstances. The following letter, transmitting the enclosed tes-
timonial, was addressed to Col. Guss by the adjutant of the Begi-
ment:
Head-Quarters 9Tth Pa. Vols., in the Field, near Bermuda Hundred, Va.,
June 23, 1864.
Colonel Henrt R. Guss, 9Tth Pa. Vols.
Colonel: I have the honor, on behalf of the officers of your Regiment, to
transmit the enclosed expression of their esteem and regard for you, as a gentle-
man and a soldier, which was gotten up, in a hasty manner, upon learning that
you had resigned your commission as colonel of the 97th Regiment.
They regret that their situation in the field prevents them, at this time, from
transmitting you a more solid testimonial.
Permit me, for myself, to say that — inasmuch as I have served with you so
long, in more than one campaign, at the same time with uninterrupted harmony
and good-fellowship — your resignation severs an official tie which has heretofore
mingled pleasure with duty.
Having been so intimate with you, and on your personal staff for so long a
period, I shall feel and regret your absence more, perhaps, than any one else.
I wish you success in any and every sphere of life in which you may engage,
and sincerely hope that "All your ways may be Ways of pleasantness, and all
your paths be peace."
I remain, Colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Henrt W. Carruthses,
Adjt. 9Tth Pa. Vols.
Head-Quarters 97th Pa. Vols., in the Field, near Bermuda Hundred, Va.,
June 23, 1864.
Colonel Henrt R. Guss, 97th Pa. Vols.
Colonel: We, the undersigned, commissioned officers of the 97th Pa. Vols.,
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^^•*-l TESTIMONIAL TO COLONEL H. R. GUSS. 297
present with the Regiment, learn, with deep regret, that you have resigned your
eoiDiDission as Colonel of the Regiment.
Permit us, therefore, your comrades in arms, upon the eve of this separation,
to express to you, in a hasty but most sincere manner, our high regard for and
appreciation xyf your social quah'ties as a gentleman, and your ability and gal-
Itntry as a soldier and an officer.
For nearly three years. Colonel, we have marched shoulder to shoulder amid
the ravages of battle and disease; together we have toiled and labored hard, un-
dergone exposures and hardships which the uninitiated know not of; but we
never yet have had occasion to regret the day or the hour when the standard of
the Regiment was delivered to us and you assumed the high and arduous re-
BpoDsibility of Commandant of the Regiment.
We have become attached to you not .inly for your noble and manly attributes;
bat the further fact that the Regiment was recruited and organized under your
tospices. has drawn us more closely to you. It is, therefore, with no feigned
regret that we submit to your withdrawal from our midst at the present moment.
Allow us to add that the causes which induced you to resign are not unknown
to us, and, although we wish you to remain with us until the expiration of the
term of the Regiment, we nevertheless see in this an indication of spirit and
manlloess which will not brook dishonor, and is, therefore, to be admired and imi-
Uted.
Iq laying down the sword and returning to the duties of civil life, we beg you
to take with you. Colonel, our best wishes for long life, happiness and prosperity,
and our assurances that you will ever be kindly remembered by the officers and
soldiers of your old command.
We have the honor to be. Colonel,
Very respectfully, your obedient servants,
Isaiah Price, Major 97th P. V.. Corad'g Regt.
Henry W. Carruthers, Capt. 97th P. V. and Adjt. Regt.
John R. Everhart, Surgeon 97th P. V.
William C. Morrison, Asst. Surgeon 97th P. V.
William S. Mendenhall, Capt. 97th P. V., Comd'g Co. D.
G. W. Hawkins, Capt. 97th P. V., Comd'g Co. I.
Caleb Hoopes, Capt. 97th P. V., Comd'g Co. G.
Samuel V. Black, Capt 97th P. V., Comd'g Co. K.
John MoGrath, 1st Lieut. 97th P. V., Co. E.
Francis J. Eachus, 1st Lieut. 97th P. V., Co. C.
John Wainwrioht, 1st Lieut. 97th P. V., Co. P.
Gaswat O. Yarnall, 1st Lieut. 97th P. V., Co. G.
James T. Skiles, 1st Lieut. 97th P. V., Co. B.
Levi L. March, 1st Lieut. 97th P. V., Co. K.
William H. Eves, 2d Lieut. 97tb P. V., Co. G.
James McWilliams, 2d Lieut. 97th P. V.. Co. E.
Thomas Cosgrifp, 2d Lieut. 97th P. V., Co. P.
Isaac J. Burton, 2d Lieut. 97th P. V., Co. A.
George W. Duffee, 2d Lieut. 97th P. V., Co. I.
Jacob G. Lowrt, 2d Lieut. 97tb P. V., Co. B.
Henrt Kauffman, Jr., 2d Lieut. 97th P. Y., Co. C.
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298 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. ^^^^^
Col. Guss accordingly prepared to return home, parting with the
officers and men on the evening of June 23, 1864, as the Regiment
marched out of camp at Bermuda Hundred, to cross the Appo-
mattox. The feeling of sadness and regret was universal. In the
departure of their beloved commander, each man was conscious of
losing one who had been also as a father and friend to all. Before
leaving the department. Col. Guss addressed the following letter of
farewell to the Regiment:
Head-Quarters 97th Pa. Vols., in the Field, near Point of Rocks, Va.,
June 23, 1864.
To THE Officers and Men of the 97th P. T. '
Fellow Soldiers: Jmpelled by reasons which my sense of honor as a man,
and my good name as a soldier, would not permit me to disregard, I tendered
my resignation as Colonel of this Regiment. That resignation, as you know, has
been accepted by the major general commanding, and before you see this letter
I shall be on my way home.
I earnestly desired to Bay a few words to you as an organization before I left,
but want of time, and the fact that you were underarms and preparing to march
to meet the enemy, prevented me from doing more than merely clasping the
hands of a part of your number.
You will pardon me, therefore, for not bidding you a formal good-bye, but I
beg to assure you that you will always be kindly and affectionately remembered
by me. Although I am separated from you, I can truthfully say that my in-
terest in you, and in your success in your future career during this fierce and
mighty struggle for Liberty and Union, will not cease. I shall watch your course
and your actions with the same eagerness and the same solicitude as ever.
From experience, I know that you will do your duty wherever you may be as-
signed and it is my sincere wish and prayer that you may pass through this stem
ordeal of battle and toil in safety and with honor. And when your term of ser.
vice has expired, I can assure you that no one will be more delighted than myself
to welcome you back to home and friends.
Having organized the Regiment, and served with it so long, I think I have a
right to feel a just pride in you and in the services you have rendered to your
country, in the camp and in the field, and, therefore, so much the more do 1 leave
you with deep and sincere regret.
I congratulate you all, officers and men, for the reputation you have achieved
for gallantry and discipline, and I thank you all for your courtesy and kindness
toward me and for your flattering expressions of regret at my separation from
you.
Again wishing you success and good fortune in your future career, I remain,
Tour sincere friend and well wisher,
Henry R. Guss.
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^^^'^ THE ADVANCE AGAINST PETERSBURG. 299
CHAPTER X.
Cemetery Hill; Petersburg Mine; Wier Bottom Church; Deep
Bottom; New Market Heights; Strawberry Plains; Fort
Gilmer; Darbytown Road; Charles City Road; Darbytown;
Chapin's Farm; June 23 to December 2, 1864.
EFORE the acceptance of the resignation that separated
the 97th P. V. from their beloved commander, it was
known to the troops of the 10th Corps that their com-
manding general, Quincy A, Gillmore, had applied to
be relieved from the command thereof, which being ap-
proved, that officer left the department about January
18, 1864, to the great regret of the entire corps, the
officers and men of which had the most implicit confi-
dence in his abilities and skill. Brig. Gen. W. H, T.
Brooks, commanding a division of the 18th Corps, was temporarily
assigned to the command of the 10th Corps, which he retained until
the acceptance of his resignation, near the middle of July.
Gen. Ames was now relieved of the command of the 2d division
and assigned to duty with the 18th Corps, and Brig. Gen. John W.
Turner, who had commanded the 3d division of the 10th Corps, was
placed in command of the 2d division, which had now received the
appellation of the "Flying Division." It was not permitted to
remain long with the corps. Orders were received to return to
duty with the 18th Corps, in front of Petersburg.
Soon after Col. Guss had taken leave of the Regiment, the divi-
sion moved out of camp and crossed the Appomattox; then, owing
to the mistake of the guide, marched by a circuitous route nearly
all night, reaching the front at 2.30 A. M. on the 24th. The divi-
sion relieved a portion of the 9th Corps, the 97th P. V. occupying
a position in front of Cemetery Hill; continued in the front line
of intrenchments, alternately with other regiments of the command,
one week at a time; then changed to the second line a few yards in
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300 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. [Jane,
rear of the first, both being con-
stantly under fire. Casualties most
often occurred in the second line.
Almost constant firing was kept up
between the pickets, whose position
was in close range of each other.
Safety was only secured by erecting
bullet-proof shelter of logs in the
' woods and by digging gopher holes
in the hillsides.
BULLBT-pRoop IN THB WOOD. Frequcut uight attacks occurred,
the enemy advancing under cover
of the darkness, for the purpose of capturing the pickets, requiring
constant vigilance to thwart their designs. The incessant fire
rendered it unsafe at any time to venture from the shelter of the
earthworks and bombproofs. Many were killed and wounded, while
walking about in rear of the lines, by shot from the enemy aimed
at men in the front lines. Mortar shell were daily thrown by the
enemy along portions of the line with considerable effect, the range
being remarkably accurate. A return fire by our mortars generally
resulted in silencing the enemy's fire. There was no cessation of
active service for any of the troops in the trenches during the
period from June 24 until the end of July. During this time,
neither officers nor men could remove their clothing for rest or lay
aside their arms and accoutrements; these were required, by order,
to be kept constantly ready for instant service.
A detail of sharp-shooters was made from the 97th P. V. on June
27, the best marksmen of each company being selected for this
arduous and dangerous service. A pioneer corps was also detailed
from the Regiment, under command of Lieut. Eves, of Company G.
They were engaged in repairing roads, removing obstructions and
in perfecting the defences of the lines.
At night, the men lay with their arms beside them in the trenches,
one-half of the force being kept awake, during half the night, while
the remainder slept, the others in turn keeping watch until morning.
The intrenched lines extended several miles to the left, parallel in
many places, only a few yards distant from each other. At com-
manding points, most elaborate earthworks were constructed; those
then completed were Forts McGilvery, Steadman and Haskell; later
operations extended the line to Fort Sedgwick and beyond the
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^^5 ACTION AT CEMETERY HILL. 301
Jerasalem Plank Road.
Forts Steadman and
Sedgwick were par-
ticularly hot places.
To the latter the men
gave the name of Fort
Hell, when, not to be
outdone, the rebels
called Fort Mahone,
vi&<(^vi8 to the other,
Fort Damnation. A
view of the former lo- interior of port stbadman.
cality is here given.
On June 30, an advance was ordered upon the enemy's works,
near Cemetery Hill, for the purpose of engaging the attention of
the rebels,' while a larger force, under Col. William B. Barton,
48th N. Y., commanding the 2d brigade, 2d division, was to assault
the enemy's works to the right of the hill. One hundred men of
the 97th P. V., with three hundred detailed from the 169th N. Y.,
the 4th N H., the 9th Maine and the 13th Ind., all under command
of Capt. W. S. Mendenhall, Company D, 97th P. V., moved by
the flank from the line of intrenchments at 5 P. M., passing a strip
of woods and meadow, and reached the cover of a steep bank upon
which the advanced pickets were stationed. Halting at a point
where Col. Barton's position could be observed, Capt. Mendenhall
formed his line of battle: the 97th P. V. and 13th Ind. on the
right, 9th Maine and 4th N. H. in the centre, and the 169th N. Y.
on the left; then, charging up the hill and across an open field,
the wood beyond was gained. A brisk fire was then opened by this
force on the rebel lines, a few yards distant. The fire was sharply
returned by the enemy. Capt. Mendenhall held his position, de-
livering a rapid fire on the enemy. Meanwhile, Col. Barton's force
had not advanced. The situation of the detachment was becoming
critical. It had gained and was holding the position to which it
had been ordered. Still no advance was made on the right. The
rebels concentrated all their force in front and, under cover of the
adjoining wood, had thrown a regiment upon the left fiank of the
detachment, which opened a terrible fire along the line. The men
of the 9th Maine broke from the line; a few others followed, them
but were rallied immediately; the remainder stood manfully to
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302 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. fJane,
their work. The 169th N. Y. closed up the gap left by the 9th
Maine. The line then advanced to a better position, from which a
steady and determined fire was opened upon the force assailing the
flank, obliging it to seek the shelter of the earthworks. This posi-
tion was maintained until 7 P. M., when Capt. MendenhalPs force
was relieved by a larger one. Five officers and one hundred and
fifty men were killed and wounded. The 97th P. V. lost three
killed and nineteen wounded. Sergt. John A. Russell and Privates
Hezekiah Andy, Company H, and William De Faux, Company G,
were killed. Privates Charles S. Cloud, Company D, and William T.
Lovell, Company H, being mortally wounded, died within a short
time after reaching the hospital. A detail, under Lieut. Levi L.
March, Company K, carried the dead and the wounded from the
field, while Capt. Mendenhall held the position. During the ensuing
night, the enemy kept up an incessant firing. The mortar batteries
of both sides were used with great effect and many casualties oc-
curred. The position thus gained was held by our forces and was
regarded of considerable importance. A sap was run along the
slope, covering the rebel lines in our front, causing the enemy much
annoyance.
Col. Barton, for reasons in which he was subsequently sustained,
decided not to make the attack as contemplated. The loss and
jeopardy to the detachment, therefore, except so far as the advan-
tage of the position gained, became a needless sacrifice.
Private John T. Conway, Company E, captured May 20, 1864,
died, June 30, in the rebel prison pen at Andersonville, Ga.
The casualties, after returning to the Petersburg front, on June 24,
in addition to the loss in the assault of June 30, were six killed and
eight wounded, a total of thirty-six. Among the wounded was
Principal Musician James J. Wilson, recently promoted from Com-
pany C. He became footsore on the night march of June 23, and
fell behind. The provost guard, gathering up the stragglers, com-
pelled him to go upon duty with these in the front line, where he
was severely wounded, and was sent to the hospital at Fortress
Monroe, Va., and remained until the expiration of his term of
service, unable to rejoin his regiment. In this instance, the orders
of the guard were executed with undue and arbitrary severity upon
as brave and faithful a soldier as there was in the jranks of any
regiment in the service. He had never shrunk from any duty ! On
the contrary, in every instance in which his company or regiment
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18^] OPERATIONS AGAINST PETERSBURG. 303
was engaged, though excused as a musician from bearing arms, he
always sought, of his commanding officer, permission to take a
musket and go to the front.
The work of strengthening and rendering secure the lines was
constantly going on. The earthworks were models of construction,
the result of the untiring industry of the men. Strong and impas-
sable abattis covered the front along almost its entire extent, the
tops and branches of trees being firmly planted in the ground and
so interlocked as to form a perfect defence against a charge.
SARTHWORKB AND ABATTIS.
1st Lieut. G. O. Yamall, Company G, was detailed, about July
1, as acting ordnance officer of the artillery brigade of the 10th
Corps and was stationed at Point of Rocks. He continued upon
this duty until mustered out of service in October following.
A convalescent camp was established about half a mile east of
Petersburg Heights, to which the men of the division, who were
slightly wounded, sick or otherwise temporarily unfit for duty, were
sent for treatment. Three hundred was the average number re-
ceived. 1st Lieut. George W. Duffee, of Company I, was placed
m command of this camp, retaining it until the division was
ordered to Bermuda Hundred in August.
About the middle of July, commissions were received for the fol-
lowing officers, viz.: 2d Lieut. Henry Odiorne, Company D, to be
Ist Ueutenant, vice Fawkes, killed; Ist Sergt. Charles H. Hannum,
same company, to be 2d lieutenant, vice Odiorne, promoted; 2d
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304
HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
[July.
Lieut. Levi L. March, Company K, to be 1st lieutenant, vice
Black, promoted. All of these were immediately mustered, except-
ing Hannum, who declined promotion, desiring to be mustered out at
the expiration of his term. Promotion was then oflfered to Sergt.
Isaac B. Taylor, who accepted and was mustered. A commission
for 1st Sergt. William S. Underwood, Company K, as 2d lieute-
nant, had been sent for at the same time, but it had miscarried and
was not received for several months.
On the afternoon of the 8th, the enemy made a charge on the
right of our line, advancing about one hundred yards. An eflfective
fire being opened on them, they retired without effecting their pur-
pose. Heavy firing continued along the entire line for over an hour.
Lieut. William H. Eves, while on duty at the front, on the night
of the 10th, with his pioneer corps, was slightly wounded in the
right knee, but he remained at the front and completed the work
upon which he was engaged.
About July 15, Lieut. Col. (since brevet brigadier general) Wil-
liam L. James, chief quarter-master of Gen. Butler's staff, accom-
panied by his father, Hickman James, Eber D. Haines, Jesse J.
Bailey and Jackson Sergeant, all of West Chester, spent the day
at the front with their friends, by whom they were cordially wel-
comed. After partaking of camp fare at head-quarters, they visited
the front line of pickets. Hickman James, desiring a still nearer
view and the chance of a shot, crawled forward into one of the
gopher holes and drew a bead on an unfortunate enemy of his
country and came back quite satisfied. Our friends were pressingly
invited to spend the night at the front. A grand display of shell
and other fireworks was promised from the enemy's batteries, with
assurances of safety under the bombproof shelter; but somehow the
fireworks did not seem to be sufficiently attractive, and they left us
toward evening.
In searching for the Regiment, in the morning, Lieut. Col. James
reached an open space exposed to the fire of the enemy, and was
observed standing at a spot of great danger looking toward the
front lines, when a call apprised him of his peril. He did not
back out, but came right on, having recognized the voice. The
others reached the lines by a more safe route.
About the same time, Maj. Emmor B. Cope, formerly of Company
A, 1st Regiment Pennsylvania Reserves, recently promoted, and
then an aid-de-camp upon the staff of Maj. Gen* Warren, com-
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^®WJ VISITORS FROM WEST CHESTER. 305
manding the 5th Corps, which occupied the trenches upon the left
of Gen. Bumside's position, visited the Regiment, accompanied by
Dr. J. K. Warren, of West Chester, a cousin of Gen. Warren, and
Capt. Paul F, Whitehead, Company I, 68th P. V. (Scott Legion),
on duty at headquarters of the Army of the Potomac. They were
warmly welcomed by many friends in the 97th P. V.
Capt. (since lieutenant colonel) Hufty, 9th N, J., 18th Corps, and
formerly of the 9th P. V., in the three months' service, came fre-
quently to visit many of his old friends in the Regiment.
A thirteen-inch mortar had been placed in position, by the 18th
Corps, which, on the 18th, opened on the enemy's works with great
effect.
Firing continued on the 19th on both sides. The thirteen-inch
mortar threw its immense shell across the river upon the enemy's
batteries and into Petersburg. It was reported that one thirteen-
inch shell had exploded a caisson of the enemy and burned the
Weldon Railroad depot in the city. There were many casualties
on both sides. The continuous roar of artillery was terrific.
On the 21st, the batteries were again engaged, followed by severe
musketry firing along the line.
On the night of the 21st, Lieut. Isaac J. Burton was wounded,
in the right hand, as he was placing a gabion in position in the
sap; though exceedingly painful, he remained upon duty at the
front until the detail was relieved.
Gen. E. O. C. Ord was assigned to the command of the 1 8th
Corps, on July 22, relieving Gen. John H. Martindale.
Upon the resignation of Gen. Brooks, July 15, Gen. A. H.
Terry was temporarily placed in command. Maj. Gen. David B.
Bimey, commanding the 3d division of the 2d Corps, was assigned
to the command of the 10th Corps on July 22, 1864.
About July 27, the 97th P. V. was transferred from the 3d bri-
gade, 2d division, to the 2d brigade, same division, exchanging
position with the 115th N. Y. It constituted a part of that divi-
sion during the remainder of the war. The brigade consisted of
the 47th and 48th N. Y., the 76th and 97th P. V., and was
commanded by Lieut. Col. William B. Coan, 48th N. Y., during
the temporary absence of Col. William B. Barton, 48th N Y.
Rev. David W. Moore, pastor of the Presbyterian Church at
Centreville, Delaware, having received the appointment of chaplain,
joined the Regiment, near Petersburg, Va., on July 16, 1864.
20
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6 HISTORY OF THE NINETY- SEVENTH REGIMENT. ^^^^7f
The enemy were shelling our lines most vigorously. To one not
customed to such close proximity to the front, this was an expe-
jnce both novel and startling, calculated to test the nerves of the
avest men. The day after his arrival, being Sunday, Col. Bell,
mmanding brigade, requested Chaplain Moore to hold service at
igade head-quarters, in the second line of works. This had just
mmenced when, in the midst of the prayer, a shell exploded over-
ad, sending its fragments crashing down among the worshipers-
was a severe ordeal for the chaplain; yet he scarcely quailed,
lile some of the old soldiers could not help instinctively crawhng
r cover. Several pieces of the shell struck quite close to the con-
egation ; one piece struck and slightly wounded one of the staflF
icers. The chaplain continued the service with firmness and
rvor to the end. Rarely, perhaps, has any one ofiiciated in an
augural service deserving so well the appellation of the "baptism
fire." From that. time forward he was regarded as the plucky
aplain. He soon became much interested in the members of the
?giment, and, by his faithfulness and kindly care for his charge,
jn the respect and confidence of both officers and men.
About 8 P. M., on the 29th, the 2d division, 10th Corps, was re-
jved from duty in the intrenchments by a part of the 18th Corps,
id was ordered to join the forces preparing for an assault upon
e enemy's works, at Gen. Burnside's position, on the 30th, when
e mine explosion was to take place. A brief account of this en-
rprise is obtained from the report of Lieut. Col. Pleasants, 48th
. v., who conceived and executed the idea of mining and blowing
) a battery of the enemy, the men of his regiment being mostly
>al miners and well adapted to the work. He says:
"The gallery was commenced at 12 M., June 25, 1864, without tools, lumber
any of the material requisite for such work. The mining picks were made
those used by our pioneers. Plank was obtained by tearing down a rebel
idge, and afterward by sending to a sawmill five or six miles distant. The
aterial excavated was carried out on hand-barrows constructed of cracker
►xes. The work progressed rapidly until the 2d of July, when it reached
:tremely bad ground — ^the timbers gave away, and the roof and floor of the gal-
ry nearly met — retimbered it and started again — from this point had to exca-
ite a stratum of marl, whose consistency was like putty and which caused our
'Ogress to be necessarily slow. To avoid this, an inclined plane was started,
id in one hundred feet rose about thirteen and a half feet perpendicular.
"On July 17, the main gallery was completed, being five hundred and one
id eight-tenths feet in length. The enemy having obtained information of the
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1W«.]
ACTION AT PETERSBURG MINE, VA.
307
OUTUNB OF 'fHB CBAT£R AND MAGAZINES.
mine, commenced searching for it. Orders were issued to stop operations, which
were, however, recommenced on the following day, by i^tarting the left lateral
gallery. At 6 P., M. on
the same day, commenced
the right lateic&l gallery.
As the enemy could plai nly
he beard working over us
io the fort, the gallery
was excavated a little be-
yond and in the rear of
their work.«, and gave to
it a curved line of direc-
tion. The left lateral gal-
lery was stopped at mid-
nigbt, July 22.
"The right lateral gallery, being thirty-eight feet long, was stopped at 6 P.
M., July 23. The mine could have been charged and exploded at this time. The
men were employed from that time in draininu^, timbering and placing eight niaga
lines in position, and having received the order to charge the mine, on July 27*
the powder was commenced to be placed in at 4 P. M., and finished at 10 P. M|
The tamping was then begun, and completed by 6 P. M. on the 28th. The
charge consisted of three hundred and twenty kegs of powder, each containing
twenty-five pounds — eight thousand pounds in all. The size of the crater formed
by the explosion was at least two hundred feet long, fifty feet wide, and twenty-
five feet deep."
I
The 2d division marched about three miles to the left, to a point
near Gen. Burnside's head-quarters, where it bivouacked in a field,
where a large force was concentrated in column by division closed
in mass. The troops lay upon their arms until near 4 A. M., when
orders were passed along the column to move quietly toward the
front. Moving through a wood, passed the camps of large numbers
of troops preparing to move forward. Beyond the wood, in an open
space in rear of the line of batteries commanding the rebel posi-
tion, the division was halted and closed in mass in regimental front;
then lay upon their arms, awaiting further orders. It was designed
to fire the mine at 3.30 A. M., at which time the match was ap-
plied, but the expected result flid not occur. After waiting a con-
siderable time, 1st Lieut. Jacob Douty, Company K, 48th P. V.,
and Sergt. Henry Reese, since 2d lieutenant of same company, ven-
tured into the gallery, detected and removed the cause of failure.
At 4.45 A. M,, the match was reapplied and the fiise slowly
burned its way to the mine. Suddenly the earth seemed to tremble,
then a heavy shock, followed by rumbling like distant thunder, a
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308 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. l^^^J'
dense mass of smoke and flying fragments arose in the air, envelop-
ing the rebel position, indicating the successful explosion of the
mine. The entire work was demolished and the force of near
twelve hundred men buried in the ruins. The storming party, a
small force, advanced from its position beyond the lines and occupied
the demolished works, capturing a large number of prisoners from
the adjacent lines, and many half buried in the ruins were released
from their peril and fright. The rebels on each side of the works
hastily left their places in fear of other explosions. The advance,
for a time, met no opposition from the rebel force, panic stricken at
the disaster.
Gen. Ledlie's division of the 9th Corps entered the crater im-
mediately after the explosion, and was expected to advance rapidly
upon the ridge beyond ; but became disorganized at the fire, which
was soon opened upon them, from the batteries on the right and
left of the position, and from a battery near Cemetery Hill.
Another division, thrown forward, failed to get much beyond the
crater, and a third sent forward did not reach the crest of the rebel
batteries at Cemetery Hill. Instead of the almost uninterrupted
occupation of a large portion of the enemy's line, that might have
immediately followed the surprise and panic into which the enemy
were thrown, our advance, an hour later, met a most stubborn re*
sistance and final defeat. The troops advanced for a short distance,
on the right and left of the crater, driving the rebels into their
third line of works with but little opposition; but, owing to a want
of concerted action, the enemy was not pressed vigorovsly from
their position. The rebel commanders, perceiving this, made a de-
termined stand and soon commenced to drive back the assaulting
forces. Meanwhile, the troops, massed in the rear of the batteries,
lay awaiting orders to move. The heavy guns along the entire line
had opened fire immediately after the explosion, which continued
during most of the action.
The order came at last to advance these forces in support of the
assault; but the distance and the obstructions to the march, which
was by the flank through narrow defiles of approaches, under the
enemy's fire, by which the ravine was enfiladed right and left,
caused much delay before the troops reached a position from which
they could charge upon the enemy's lines. Had this movement
been made during the night — concentrating the entire force of thirty
thousand men halted in rear of the batteries — at the point from
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^^•1 ACTION AT PETERSBURG MINE, VA. 309
which they finally charged upon the enemy, the day's record would
have differed widely in its results.
While passing the defile, Gen. Grant went forward along the
line toward the crater. It was the first opportunity many of the
men had of seeing the commander-in-chief of the army. Having
reached the rising ground toward the rebel lines, the troops were
again formed in regimental front. The battle was now raging hotly
and our men falling rapidly under the fire of musketry to which the
position was exposed. The 97th P. V., being on the left of the bri-
gade, while marching by the flank into position, had six companies,
C, H, E, K, G and B, detached from the left, without the know-
ledge of Maj. Price, who was leading the Regiment into position;
an aid to one of the general officers, without authority from either
the division or brigade commanders, detached the left, by directing
Lieut. Eachus, Company C, to take another direction than that of
following the right of the Regiment, and sent those companies
forward to charge a line of rebel rifle pits on the right flank of the
advance. This was successfully accomplished ; not, however, with-
out considerable loss in killed and wounded, several of the color
guard being' killed, placing the colors of the Regiment in great
danger of capture. The brigade was soon ordered to advance
across a ineadow on the right, in the same direction as that taken
by the left of the 97th P. V., and to occupy the wood beyond.
The orders Maj. Price received from Lieut. Col, Coan were to ad-
vance the 97th P. V. to a point indicated on the right; then to move
to the right as far as possible. Moving by the flank at double quick,
exposed to a brisk fire, the Regiment advanced across a meadow, fol-
lowing the bed of a creek ; reached the wood with but little loss ;
formed by company into line upon the run; then ascended the
bank on the top of which was a line of rebel rifle pits, from which
the enemy had retired to a second line a few yards further on. From
this an effective fire was kept up. The Regiment then moved along
the ditch until reaching a point beyond which an enfilading fire of
the enemy, occupying the prolongation of the same line, prevented
further progress.
Leaving Capt. Mendenhallj of Company D, in charge of that
portion of the Regiment thus posted, Maj. Price, in fulfillment of
orders to that effect, from Lieut. Col. Coan, proceeded to the left for
the purpose of finding the other companies, in order to bring them
to the part of the field occupied by the right of the Regiment.
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310 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. 1'^''^^'
It was at this juncture that the rebels, having fully rallied, were
beginning to drive back the advanced forces and to regain their lost
ground. Maj. Price had succeeded in finding and vi^as moving the
detached companies of his Regiment to the right to rejoin the re-
mainder of his command, and was just in the rear of two brigades
that were lying against the slope of the hill in column by regiment
closed in mass, when the sudden movement of a heavy force of the
enemy, on the left flank of this force, exposed the position to cap-
ture. The troops came rushing down the hill, breaking through the
ranks of Maj. Price's men, sweeping all in confusion across the
meadow in the rear. He then followed in order to rally his men,
which was done at the line of earthworks, behind which the Une
was reformed. Maj. Price then received orders, from Gen. Turner,
to occupy the line of intrcnchments, with the left of his Regiment,
until further orders. It remained in this position until the close of
the engagement, exposed to a heavy flank fire of musketry and shell
from the enemy's works. The right of the 97th P. V. continued to
hold its position, repelling successive attempts of the enemy to
charge and retake that portion of the line; by this means affording
protection to Brig. Gen. W. F. Bartlett's brigade of the 1st division
of the 9th Corps on the left, the position of the 97th P. V. com-
manding a ravine through which a rebel force was endeavoring to
reach Gen. Bartlett's rear and cut him off from the main force.
For oyer three hours, under a terrible fire of artillery and
musketry, with the intense heat of the July sun overhead, those
brave men shrunk not from their duty. Their position was perilous
in the extreme, isolated from the main force by the meadow swept
by the rebel fire, and separated from Gen. Bartlett's command by
the ravine which the rebel fire also covered. Their ammunition
almost exhausted, it became necessary to send a, messenger to report
their situation. Private John Bowling, Company D, orderly at
regimental head-quarters, dispatched upon this errand, was severely
wounded and prevented from reporting. Orders were subsequently
sent to Capt. Mendenhall to retire to the intrenched lines. The
men could only retire singly under whatever cover they could find.
Several were killed and wounded, among the latter was Capt. Men-
denhall, who received a Minie ball through the left arm, near the
shoulder. Having reached the earthworks, these companies took
their places in the line with the Regiment.
Within less than an hour. Gen. Bartlett's brigade lost, by cap-
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^^•1 ACTION AT PETERSBURG MINE, VA. 311
tore, nine hundred and seventy-five, officers and men, including the
general and staff; CoL G. G. Marshall, commander of a brigade in
Brig. Gen. J. H. Ledlie's 1st division, 9th Corps, was also captured
at the same time. The closing in of the enemy upon both flanks,
occurring a little earlier, would have included the right wing of the
97th P. V. in the number of prisoners. At 1 P. M., the troops
were withdrawn from the field, the line being held by the usual
force.
The 2d division of the 10th Corps, which, at this time, numbered
about four thousand available men, entered the action with probably
a little less than that number, sustained a loss of over four hundred.
The 97th P. V. was not relieved until 2.30 P. M., when it started
upon the march toward its former position, to the right of Cemetery
Hill, having sustained a loss in this action of ten killed and twenty-
eight wounded, as follows: Company A, one killed; Company B, ten
wounded; Company C, five wounded ; Company D, three wounded;
Company E, one killed, three wounded; Company F, three killed;
Company G, two killed, three wounded; Company H, one wounded;
Company I, one killed; Company K, two killed, three wounded.
Capt. William S. Mendenhall, Company D, severely wounded
in the left shoulder, was sent to the field hospital, 18th Corps, and
from there to Annapolis, Md., where he remained until discharged
the service, on the 4th of October following, having served over
three years. 1st Lieut. I-.evi L. March, severely wounded in the
right arm and leg, was sent to the field hospital, 18th Corps, where
his arm and leg were amputated. He was afterward transferred to
the Chesapeake Hospital, at Fortress Monroe, Va., where he died,
on the night of August 13, from the effects of his severe wounds.
His remains were sent to Norristown, Pa., for burial. 2d Lieut.
James Mc Williams, Company E, wounded in the right arm; 2d
Lieut. Jacob G. Lowry, Company B, slightly in the right foot. 2d
Lieut. Thomas Cosgriff, Company F, was prostrated by a slight sun-
stroke. Corp. John T. Taylor, Company A, with the color guard,
was instantly killed during the charge of the left wing of the Regi-
ment upon the rebel rifle pits. His body could not be brought off
the field as the enemy soon after occupied the ground. Private
Joshua Carey, Company F, was also instantly killed, while ad-
vancing with the Regiment, soon aftier leaving the covered way.
He was a veteran of the Mexican war, and had passed nearly ten
years in service of the United States.
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312 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. fAngnst,
On July 31, the 2d division of the 10th Corps, was relieved from
duty with the 18th, and ordered to rejoin the lOlli Corps, north of
the Appomattox. The 97th P. V. had been for thirty-eight days
continuously under fire before Petersburg, sustaining casualties that
had largely diminished its numbers. After a fiitiguing march of fif-
teen miles, during which many of the men were overcome by the
excessive heat, the old camp ground, at Foster's Place, was reached,
where tents were again pitched and covered with boughs of pine to
shade the men from the intense heat.
The details for duty were now much reduced, affording the men
opportunity to rest after this period of arduous service.
The pickets here had for some time, by mutual consent, avoided
firing upon each other — the men sitting upon or reclining against
the embankments in plain view of each other, and when no officer
of either side was near, interchanging papers, tobacco and friendly
chat. The field officers of the day passed frequently along the line
in view of the enemy, whose lines were only a few paces off, with-
out molestation. Officers of the enemy were also seen, but no re-
cognition or sign of salutation passed; each side tacitly accepted
and respected the truce in regard to firing.
During July, in addition to the casualties previously reported in
the action of July 30, there were nine killed and thirty-five wounded,
making a total, during the advance against Petersburg, from June
15 to July 30, of thirty killed and ninety-three wounded, an aggre-
gate of one hundred and twenty-three, officers and men.
At City Point, Va., about August 1, 1864, there occurred a terrific
explosion of a large amount of ammunition which was being un-
loaded from vessels at the wharf. A large number of men were
killed, of whose remains scarce a vestige was found; some were
wounded by the flying fragments and destructive missiles; many
men, known to have been near, were missed and never heard of
again; every vestige of the vessels disappeared, and many buildings
were destroyed and others injured. The report and shock were
very distinct at the camp of the Regiment, near Foster's Place,
where the dense smoke and flying debris were plainly visible.
Lieut. Col. Pennypacker was commissioned colonel of the Regi-
ment, by Gov. Curtin, during his absence. He rejoined the Regi-
ment at Bermuda Hundred, August 12, having partially recovered
from his wounds received on May 20; but still somewhat disabled
in tlie use of his right arm. He resumed command of the Regiment
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^^1 OPERATIONS NORTH OF THE JAMES. 313
on August 13. He had been mustered as lieutenant colonel, on
August 12, by Capt. T. E. Lord, mustering officer of the division, to
rank from April 3, 1864. That officer, however, refused to muster
him upon his commission as colonel on account of the reduced num-
bers of the Begiment. Col. Penny packer then forwarded an ap-
plication, through the department head-quarters, to the Secretary of
War, for muster as colonel, which was returned, with an order from
the Secretary directing it. He was duly mustered in that grade, by
Capt. Lord, on August 15.
After the muster of Lieut. Col. Pennypacker, and pending his ap-
pUcation to the Secretary of War, Maj. Price applied to Capt. Lord,
for muster upon his commission as major, and was then informed
that it was a question of muster-out of either Col. Pennypacker or
himself, the numbers of the Regiment being reduced below the
standard that would entitle it — under any construction Capt. Lord
could put upon his orders — to the muster of more than 07ie field
officer. This was accepted by Maj. Price as a barrier to further eflFort
to secure his muster. He however, continued to perform the duties
of major until the expiration of his term of service.
Early in August,
Gen. Butler had en-
tered upon the con-
struction of thd noted
Dutch Gap Caned,
and volunteer details
were called for from
each regiment. Se-
veral of the 97th P.
V. were of the num-
ber engaged in that
most hazardous ser-
BATTSBY NBAB DUTCH GAP.
Vice. The work was
pushed forward rapidly, protected by a battery on the opposite side
of the James, which operated upon the guns of the enemy which
commanded the canal.
On August 13, an advance having been determined upon to
move against Richmond, on the north side of the James River, the
2d and 10th Corps, and the cavalry divisions of Kautz and McM.
Gregg, were the designated forces.
Gen. Turner, with the 1st brigade of his division, was left in com-
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314 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. [August,
mand, at Bermuda Hundred. Brig. Gen. William Birney, with his
brigade of colored troops, being now assigned to the 10th Corps,
the 2d and 3d brigades of Turner's division were temporarily de-
tached with Gen. Bimey's brigade, and his command was now de-
signated as Bimey's provisional division.
Maj. Price, having been detailed as field officer of the day for
August 13, was engaged upon that duty when the order for a move-
ment north of the James was received ; he, therefore, remained upon
that duty when the Regiment marched with the 10th Corps.
Before he could rejoin the Regiment he was taken ill and was, by
direction of the division surgeon, placed on board the hospital boat at
Jones' Landing and conveyed to Fortress Monroe, Va., for treatment.
He was there admitted to the Chesapeake Hospital and remained
under treatment lor twenty-tour days, his disease being an attack of
malarial fever.
POKTOON BBIDOB AT JONES' LAl^DING, KBAB DBBP BOTTOM.
The 97th P. V. had struck tents at dark, on August 13, and
marched from the camp, at Foster's Place, crossed the James River
at daylight on the 14th, on a pontoon bridge at Jones' Landing,
then continued toward Deep Bottom, where the rebel lines were
reached. The 97th P. V. was immediately ordered to prepare for
a charge upon a force of rebels that was annoying the transports on
the river. The enemy retiring, however, the order to charge was
countermanded.
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^^^] ACTION AT STRAWBERRY PLAINS, VA. 315
Hancock'8 2d Corps was pushed out to the right, in order to flank
the enemy's position across Bailey's Creek, while Birney's 10th
Corps assaulted the enemy at New Market, capturing their lines of
rifle trenches, with six field pieces, four stand of colors and several
hundred prisoners. Hancock's advance was not so successful, owing
to Barlow's division delivering his assault upon the flank and rear,
by a single brigade; and the extreme heat had so prostrated his men
as to diminish their usual dash and success. Many were prostrated
by sunstroke, nearly two hundred being carried to the rear from ex-
haustion, the casualties of the day being about one thousand.
About IIP. M., Col. Pennypacker, commanding the centre of
the brigade, the 76th and 97th P. V., was ordered to move forward
his force to gain ^ position near the rebel lines, sheltered from their
fire by the crest of a hill. The movement was made on the double
quick, reaching cover, just outside the enemy's trenches, without
drawing their fire. This advance was intended to secure a support
for a movement to be made early the next morning, the 15th, by
the 2d Corps, which was successfully accomplished, capturing a
battery of six mortars and three guns. Afler the assault by the
2d Corps, the 10th Corps occupied Gen. Hancock's former position,
in a copse of pine. During the night, the enemy threw shot and
shell without intermission. Gregg's Cavalry extended the right
to the Charles City Road. A brigade of the 2d Corps connected
the cavalry with Gen. W. Birney's provisional division. Terry's
division was on the left and Barlow's on the refused flank.
BATTLE FIELD OF MALVERN HILL, YA.
At daylight on August 16, the 2d and 10th Corps advanced on
the enemy's works, at Strawberry Plains, called by some Fussell's
Mill, near Malvern Hill Road, and in view of the battle field
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316 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. [August,
of Malvern Hill. After a determined resistance, the rebels were
driven from their position about 9 A. M. The main force followed
the enemy, leaving Bimey's provisional division to hold the works
Gen. Terry's division had captured, with over two hundred prisoners,
early in the action.
Meanwhile, Gregg's Cavalry, supported by Miles' brigade (in-
fantry) of the 2d Corps; advanced on the Charles City Road, driving
the enemy before him with considerable loss on their part. Gen.
Chambliss being among the killed.
Toward noon, the enemy, largely reinforced, advanced on the right
and left, flanking our forces, compelling a return to the strongly
intrenched lines with severe loss. To avoid being cut oflF and cap-
tured, by flanking forces of the enemy, required the wary corps and
division commanders to be active and alert with prompt vigilance.
The position of the 97th P. V., with Birney's provisional division,
was one of critical peril. The first intimation received of the re-
tiring of the main force was the sudden appearance of a large body
of the enemy in front of their line of works, extending far beyond
each flank, and advancing rapidly upon them. The division opened
a rapid and galling fire, and bravely maintained its position until the
enemy, in overwhelming numbers, had advanced to the trenches and
planted their flags beside our own upon the line of works; then as
their flanks began to sweep around to envelope the position, cap-
ture or retreat became inevitable. Slowly and stubbornly the men
retired, fighting from tree to tree, keeping at bay their pursuers.
Many were captured, some killed, and many wounded.
Among those who fell was the
brave and steadfast soldier, Capt.
Henry W. Carruthers, Company
C, late adjutant of the Regiment,
who was mortally wounded, about
1 P. M., by a Minie ball through
the spinal column, paralyzing his
lower limbs. He was borne off
the field by his sorrowing com-
rades, subsequently conveyed to
the hospital boat on the James
CHESAPEAKE HOSPITAL. jj-^^j.^ ^^^ ^^^^ ^^ jj^^ Chesapeakc
Hospital at Fortress Monroe, Va., where he received every attention
which surgical skill could devise, but without avail; after suffering
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1864.] ACTION AT STRAWBERRY PLAINS, YA. 317
painfully and patiently several days, entirely sensible and resigned
to his fate, he died on August 22. A braver or more faithful sol-
dier never served his country. Young, gifted and accomplished,
he was beloved and lamented as a brother, companion and friend.
His remains were sent to West Chester and buried, on August 27,
in the Oakland Cemetery, with due military honors and a large at-
tendance of citizens and friends.
The loss to the entire force during the movement was about five
thousand. The loss in the Regiment, in addition to Adjt. Carruthers,
was nine killed, twelve wounded and eighteen captured, as follows :
field and staflF, one killed; Company A, two killed, one wounded,
one captured; Company B, one killed, two wounded, five captured;
Company C, two wounded; Company D, one killed, three wounded,
one captured; Company E, two captured; Company F, four killed,
four captured; Company G, one killed, one captured; Company H,
one wounded, one captured; Company I, two wounded; Company
K, one wounded, three captured. Many of those captured were
also wounded. Nine of the eighteen died, either in rebel prisons
or soon after their return home.
Company B, commanded by 1st Lieut. James T. Skiles, lost eight
men of twenty-two engaged in the action, Lieut. Skiles being the
last man to get back to the lines. Capt. Samuel V. Black, Com-
pany K, was among the captured, and was held a prisoner about
eight months. Upon being released, in April, 1865, he rejoined the
Regiment at Raleigh, N. C, resigned and was honorably discharged.
May 4, 1865.
1st Lieut. Henry Odiome, Company D, on duty upon the staflF
of Brig. Gen. Robert S. Foster (commanding 2d brigade, 1st divi-
sion), while taking an order to Col. Frank Osborne, 24th Mass.
(commanding one of the brigades), had his horse shot from under
him during the action.
Col. Pennypacker, in a letter to Col. H. R. Guss, dated Deep
Bottom, Va., August 18, 1864, says of the Regiment in this action:
"* * * We moved in about an hoar after I went on duty (upon re-
soming command of the Regiment, August 13), and have been marching, skir-
mishing and fighting ever since. We went into the fight, near Malvern Hill, on
the 16th, with one hundred and twenty men and came out with eighty-one, losing
several prisoners. A small regiment, isn't it? I have seldom been so clo%e to
the enemy before. Our corps was flanked on the left completely, and driven
back. Union and rel)el colors waved from the same parapet. The flag of a
Virginia regiment and the flag — tattered and torn — of the 97th P. V. were
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318 HISTORY OP THE NINETT-SEVENTH REGIMENT. [August,
planted not six feet apart. That was hot work, but we brought the flag off in
safety. It shall appear at the Oreen Tree and be placed in your bands, when
Company C goes home, with God helping us to defend it * * * " .
A West Chester paper, referring evidently to this action, is thus
quoted:
The Ninety-Seventh. — A correspondent of the Evangelist relates the fol-
lowing as having occurred in the gallant Ninety-Serenth Regiment. These are
the men whom some of our citizens would deprive of the elective franchise :
"I will give you one incident illustrating the quality of our soldiers. I was
at the quarters of the Ninety-Seventh Pennsylvania Regiment after one of the
recent battles. I noticed a group of soldiers standing around a tattered and torn
battle flag, eyeing it with a peculiar affection. I said to them:
" 'Boys, your flag looks as if it had seen service.'
" One of them proudly replied :
" 'Sir, five standard bearers were shot down around it, yesterday, but they did
not get it at last.'
" * And so you'll keep your flag, will you?'
"* We'll hold on to the staff though the tempest tears the flag from it.'
" With such brave defenders, the flag of Liberty will never be dishonored.
The tempest may. indeed, tear it in pieces and offer its shreds to the God of the
storm, but it will never trail in the dust of disgrace. That God will restore it to
its noble defenders with its stars shining mo**e brightly after the tempest sub-
sides, and it shall float more proudly and gloriously than ever —
'"O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.'"
After the engagements at Deep Bottom and Strawberry Plains,
August 15 and 16, the two brigades of the 2d division, 10th Corps,
still with Bimey's provisional division, were found to be badly cut
up and worn out, having had but little rest, from the urgency of the
service; with but little to eat and without opportunity to receive
regular rations. The division was ordered to the rear, and en-
camped at the position previously occupied by Gren. Foster's division
of the 10th Corps, in the valley of Deep Run, near Jones' Landing.
The condition of the men was that of almost utter exhaustion.
The frequent change of position and the rapid flank movements, re-
quired of them during this arduous period of service, together with
the intense heat, had greatly overtaxed the powers of endurance of
the best troops in the field. The division had hardly arrived at
camp when a bngade was detailed for picket. It was beyond the
nature of men to justify this record in saying the order was cTieer^
fully obeyed; but it vxis obeyed with less of complaint than could
have been expected of men who had, with unflagging persistence and
bravery, assaulted the enemy in their strongest lines, and pressed
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1864.] CONGRATULATORY ORDER BT MAJ. GEN. D. B. BIRNET. 319
upon their front with ceaseless vigilance, by night and by day, for
three days, without rest and with only such food as was carried in
their haversacks. The brigade was relieved, after twenty-four hours,
by other brigades of the division.
Following the action, at Strawberry Plains, Gen. D. B. Birney,
commanding the 10th Corps, issued the following complimentary
order to his command:
Head-Quabtbrs 10th Army Coeps, Fusskll's Mills, Va.,
August 19, 1864.
General Orders.
The major general commanding congratulates the 10th Corps upon its puccess.
It has on each occasion, when ordered, broken the enemy's strong lines. It has
captured, during this short campaign, four siege guns, protected by the most
formidable works, six colors and many prisoners. It has proved itself worthy
of its old Wagner and Sumter renown.
Much fatigue, patience and heroism may yet be demanded of it; but the
major general commanding is confident of the response.
To the colored troops recently added to us, and fighting with us, the major
general commanding tenders his thanks for their uniform good conduct and
soldierly bearing. They have set a good example to our veterans by the entire
absence of straggling from their ranks on the march.
By order of Max Gen D. B. Birney.
[Signed] Edward W. Smith,
Lieut. Col. and A. A. G.
On August 20, the 10th Corps returned to Bermuda Hundred
and occupied their old quarters. The duty consisted principally of
picket and fatigue.
On August 22, about thirty men of Company A, whose term of
service expired on that date, were mustered out of service, by Capt.
T. Ellery Lord, 3d N. Y. Art'y, mustering officer of the division.
Before starting home, they were addressed by Col. Pennypacker,
their original company commander, in a few parting words ; also by
Chaplain Moore. Upon their arrival at West Chester, on the even-
ing of the 27th, in accordance with previous invitation from Col.
H. R. Guss, they proceeded to his hotel, received a hearty wel-
come and partook of an excellent repast, as did also those of other
companies subsequently as they returned home.
On the morning of August 25, while the 10th Corps was being
relieved from picket by the 18th, the rebels captured a portion of the
picket line, near Wier Bottom Church, the suddenness and force of
the attack proving too great for the stubborn and determined re-
sistance with which it was met; the loss on both sides was severe.
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320 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. [August,
In the evening, the 2d division of the 10th Corps recaptured the
line; the 97th P. V. being the first to charge and occupy the ipait
of the line in its front. " The action was short, sharp and decisive.*^
The loss in the 97th P. V. was two killed and three wounded, one
of each of the following companies: A, D, E, I and K.
On August 26, the 10th Corps moved to the Petersburg front and
occupied the trenches on the right, from the Appomattox to a point
near Cemetery Hill, the 9th Corps adjoining on the left. The 97th
P. V. was then detailed for duty in the front line, every alternate
twenty-four hours, returning in the interval to camp, near Friend's
house. Details for intrenchment work were also made.
On the 29th, a mortar shell fell in the trenches, severely wound-
ing Privates Williapi Agg and Henry H. Stiteler, Company C,
one of Company G, and several others slightly. William H. Kelly,
Company D, was mortally wounded while on picket from concussion
of a shell; he died the following night in the field hospital.
Within a few days after returning to that position, the brigade
commander, Col. W. B. Barton, 4:8th N. Y., was mustered out of
service upon the expii^tion of his term. The command of the 2d
brigade, 2d division, 10th Corps, now devolved upon Col. G. Penny-
packer, of the 97th P. V., as the ranking officer. Such, however,
was the confidence in his ability and qualification for this command,
that he was, on October 15 following, by order of Maj. Gen. B. F.
Butler, commanding the Army of the James, regularly assigned to
the permanent command of the brigade. Subsequently, Col. John
W. Moore's 203d P. V., a newly-organized regiment, was added
to his command, making it the largest brigade in the 10th Corps
and one of the most efficient in the service.
The command of the 97th P. V. at that time, in the absence of
Maj. Price, on account of illness, since August 15, devolved at in-
tervals upon Capt. Lewis, Company F, Capt. Hawkins, Company
I, and 1st Lieut. John Wainwright, Company F, the senior Ist
lieutenant of the Regiment.
From August 30, 1864, to September 14, those men of Company
B present with the Regiment, whose terms of service had expired,
were mustered out by Capt. Lord: Qr. Mr. Sergt. George L.
Taggert and Com. Sergt. Thomas McKay, being also mustered out.
Corp. Leonard Thomas, Company C, was appointed quarter-master
sergeant, and Sergt. Dallas Crow, Company B, commissary sergeant
of the Regiment. 1st Lieut. Henry Odiome was now relieved from
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1861] COLONEL PENNYPACKER COMMANDING BRIGADE. 321
duty upon Gen. Foster's staflF, Ist division, and was detailed, by Gen.
Birney, commissary of subsistence at the 10th Corps Hospital. 1st
Lieut. John McGrath was also transferred from duty in post quarter-
master's department, at Bermuda Hundred, to act as brigade quarter-
master, 2d brigade, 2d division, 10th Corps. 2d Lieut. William H.
Eves was assigned temporarily to the command of Company E.
On September 1, the second flag of the Regiment was received.
It was placed by Col. Pennypacker in the hands of Color Bearer
Thomas Forsythe, Company E.
At this time. Gen. J. W. Turner was prostrated by illness and
was relieved in command of the division by Brig. Gen. Robert S.
Foster.
The Regiment was paid about the beginning of the month, by
Maj. O. M. Dorman, for four months, from March 1 to June 30.
Ass't Surgeon William C. Morrison was at this time temporarily
assigned to the 4th N. H. as medical officer, and, upon being re-
lieved, in October, was for a short time detached upon the same
duty with the 9th Maine.
On September 11, Maj. Price, having nearly recovered from his
severe illness, returned from Chesapeake Hospital to the Regiment.
He did not resume active command, but remained in charge of the
camp and head-quarters of the Regiment and attended to the pre-
paration of the muster-out rolls for his late company.
One man of Company C was wounded on the 5th and one of
Company B on the 11th.
The enemy persisted in firing on the pickets at all hours, until
Gen, Birney determined to give them more serious employment.
Accordingly, at 10 A. M., on September 14, his batteries opened on
their works along the entire front and upon the city of Petersburg,
literally raining shot and shell upon the enemy for over two hours.
The firing, so rapid and incessant, indicated a general engagement,
causing commotion. The roads and rear lines were thronged with
men hurrying to ascertain the cause of such terrific cannonading.
About noon the fire slackened; by 4 P. M. it had ceased.
On same day, 1st Lieut. J. T. Skiles, Company B, acting adjutant,
received a leave of absence, on account of the illness of his father.
He did not return to the Regiment, having received an honorable
discharge, on November 5, on account of expiration of term. 2d
lieut. W. H. H. Gibson, Company I, was detailed acting adjutant
and continiied to fulfil that dutv about a n^onth, when he was de-
21
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322 HISTORY OP THE NINETr-SEVENTH REGIMENT. [September.
tailed as acting regimental quarter-master, in which capacity he
served until the end of the war.
On September 17, twenty-eight men of Company C, whose term
of service had expired, were mustered out of service, at Friend's
house, by Capt. T. E. Lord, division mustering officer. Hosp.
Steward John Y. McCarter, Sergt. Maj. Samuel W. Hawley and
Fife Maj. James J. Wilson, all originally members of Company C,
were mustered out upon the expiration of their term with the men
of that company. Corp. Madison Lovett, Company A, was promoted
to hospital steward; Corp. Cheyney T. Haines, Company G, to ser-
geant major, and Musician Milton S. Taylor, Company H, to fife
major.
Maj. Price, having been detailed, in Special Order No. 254,
by Maj. Gen. Butler, to proceed to Pennsylvania to secure the re-
quired number of men to fill the Regiment, accompanied the men
of his old company on their return. They started for Fortress
Monroe, Va., on the 18th, taking with them the tattered remnant
of the old flag, so long and so faithfully borne by the Regiment
through the storm and peril of many severe contests. They were
delayed several days at Fortress Monroe, awaiting transportation.
Upon their arrival at West Chester, the flag was placed in charge
of Col. H. R. Guss, to be returned to the Governor of Pennsylvania.
In his absence from home, the detachment was entertained at his
house by his son, Capt. George W. Guss, several citizens being in-
vited to aid in giving welcome to the veterans.
The men of Company D, whose terms expired, were mustered
out, on the 19th, and reached home soon after those of Company C.
The officers and men of the remaining companies of the Regi-
ment, as their terms expired, were mustered out and returned home.
All were received by Col. Guss and made welcome at his home.
Henry Kauffman, Jr., 2d lieutenant Company C, acting regi-
mented quarter-master, was mustered out on September 22.
The 10th Corps remained in the trenches, in front of Petersburg,
during the month of September, performing both picket and fatigue
duty, exposed to the fire of the enemy continually, the service
being exceedingly arduous, critical and wearing to the men.
On the evening of September 28, the 10th and 18th Corps left
the Petersburg front, crossed the Appomattox and through Bermuda
Hundred, crossed the James River, by pontoon bridge, to Deep
Bottom; having moved with great celerity and secrecy, came upon
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1864.] FORT HARRISON. NEW MARKET HEIGHTS. FORT GILMER. 323
the enemy's long line
of intrenchments, just
below Chapin's Bluff,
at daylight on the 29th.
The 18th Corps, com-
manded by Maj. Gen.
E. 0. C. Ord, being
on the left, the 10th
Corps, commanded by
Maj. Gen. D. B. Birney, chapin's bluff fbom fort darling
in the centre, while the
cavalry of Kautz extended to the right. Gen. Ord, with the 1st
and 3d divisions of his corps, was directed, by Gen. Butler, to as-
sault the enemy's outpost below the bluff, known as Fort Harrison.
This he did with great gallantry, capturing fifteen guns, about
one hundred and fifty prisoners and a considerable portion of the
enemy's intrenchments. These very formidable works, fully equal
to any around Richmond, were carried at the point of the bayonet.
Gen. Ord was among the wounded. Brig. Gen. Godfrey Weitzel
succeeded to the command. Brig. Gen. Hiram Burnham was killed.
Fort Harrison, where he fell, was afterward officially designated, by
Gen. Butler, as Fort Burnham.
Simultaneously with this movement, the 10th Corps moved
toward Spring Hill, near New Market, assailed and carried the
strong earthworks, with double line of abattis, at New Market
Heights, the enemy losing about five hundred in killed, wounded
and'prisoners.
Birney then advanced upon their more strongly fortified works
on Laurel Hill, at the junction of the Variana and New Market
Roads, six miles from Richmond. This position, called, by the
enemy, Fort Gilmer, was promptly assaulted but proved too power-
ful to be carried by Birney's limited force, although a portion of his
troops reached the ditch. At night he withdrew, having suffered a
loss of about three hundred and fifty men.
During this action, the 2d division of the 10th Corps made a
terrific charge on one of the main lines of the enemy, nearer the
city, but the obstructions were so great as to prevent an entrance
into the main works. The loss was quite heavy. CoL Penny-
packer led his brigade, on the right of the assaulting column, in
the charge. The 97th P. V., on the right of his brigade, Lieut.
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324 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. fOctober,
Wainwright in command, forced their way through a mile of slash-
ing and over a small stream; the ground being also very irregular.
It was a most remarkable assault. The men were unable to double
quick, owing to the great number of obstructions. Two divisions
of the 10th Corps were engaged. The attack was unsuccessful,
owing to the superior force and vastly superior position of the
enemy. The loss in the 97th P. V. was one killed, ten wounded
and two missing. One of the captured died while a prisoner; the
other never rejoined the Regiment. Four of the wounded were
officers, among whom was Col. Pennypacker, who, while deploying
his brigade previous to the charge, received a slight but very
painful wound in the right ancle by a piece of shell. His spur was
knocked oflF and his horse shot under him. He, however, remained
upon the field and led his brigade throughout the action. Lieut.
CosgrifF, Con^pany F, and Lieut. Dufiee, Company I, were also
severely wounded in the charge. The latter was absent in hospital
for nearly two months.
Several officers and men of the Regiment were complimented, by
name, in general orders, by Maj. Gen. Butler, lor good conduct on
this occasion and were recommended for promotion. After falling
back a short distance, the 10th Corps occupied the intrenchments,
south of Fort Gilmer, from which they had previously advanced,
where it was soon afterward joined by the 18th Corps. Kautz's
Cavalry also encamped with this force, which then engaged in
strengthening their position. These works. Fort Harrison and New
Market Heights, being considered, by Gen. Grant, of great im-
portance toward jeopardizing the defences of Richmond, it was
determined to hold them. This was faithfully done by the tried
veterans of the 10th and 18th Corps, although the rebels made
several desperate attempts to dislodge them.
On October 1, Gens. Terry and Kautz made a reconnoissance
toward Richmond, with a well-selected force of cavedry, artillery
and infantry, including the 97th P. V. This force penetrated to
within two miles of the city, meeting with but slight resistance,
being the nearest approach made to Richmond until its occupancy
by the Union forces, under Gen. Weitzel, the ensuing spring.
Finding their Capital thus menaced, the enemy determined upon
a vigorous effort to drive our forces from their position north of the
James. The 18th Corps, it will be remembered, occupied the left,
intrenched at Fort Harrison and extending thence to the river, ten
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1884.] REPULSE OP THE ENEMY AT CHARLES CITY ROAD. 325
»
mUes from Richmond; the 10th Corps holding the centre and right,
extending the line to the Charles City Road, at a point five miles
from the rebel capital; Kautz's Cavalry was stationed on the ex-
treme right, on the Darby Town Road.
The rebels began their advance at dusk, on the evening of Oc-
tober 6, in two columns. Field's division, consisting of four bri-
gades of infantry with Geary's Cavalry Brigade, moved out of Rich-
mond, on the York River Turnpike; marched all night, by a cir-
cuitous route, and fell upon Kautz's Cavalry at daylight on the 7th.
Hoke's division, of equal strength with Field's, also moved out
from the line of works beyond the right of our infantry, and ad-
vanced on the Central Road. From prisoners taken, it was ascer-
tained that the two commands were to meet behind Kautz's picket
Une and cut them off; fortunately, Hoke was two hours behind time.
Kautz, discovering only the movements of Field's cplumn, pitched
into it. He had with him two batteries of artillery — B, of the 1st
U. S. and the 5th Wis. Battery. For nearly two hours. Field's
column was held in check, during which time the cavalry made some
spirited charges. Finally, Field massed his infantry for a charge.
Kautz dismounted a portion of his men to meet it; but, being
greatly outnumbered, it was impossible to withstand the impetuous
force hurled against them.
Hoke's advance was then perceived, which caused a complete rout
of the cavalry. The artillery maintained its position until the
rebels were within forty feet, fighting against the fearful odds, until
their ammunition was exhausted ; then, spiking their guns, escaped
with their horsed. A single regiment of mounted men. Col. Sum-
ner's N. Y. Mounted Rifles, remained upon the field long enough
to enable Gen. Bimey to complete his preparations to meet the
enemy. During the early morning, that officer, although seriously
iD, was busily engaged forming his troops to receive the onslaught
of the enemy. Having left his bed, against the remonstrance of
his medical advisers, when the alarm was sounded for battle, he
was in the saddle, personally attending to whatever was necessary
for a successful resistance of the storm at hand.
After gaining possession of Darby Town Road, the rebels pushed
on toward Gen. Bimey's position, where his well-trained infantry
awaited the advance of their assailants until they came dashing
upon the lines, flushed with their success in routing the cavalry.
These veterans reserved their fire until the enemy was within short
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326 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. [October,
range, when, from the entire line, there was poured into their ad-
vancing ranks a sudden, incessant and destructive fire. The strong
skirmish line, armed with Spencer rifles, lay concealed behind a
thicket of underbrush until the enemy were close upon them; then,
suddenly rising, directed a continuous stream of fire against their
lines; having exhausted their ammunition, they gave way to the
rear, uncovering the main line of battle. The action now became
intensely hot. The air was filled with deadly missiles, the con-
tinuous roar of musketry and the booming of heavy guns.
Four batteries, of six guns each, planted on the left of Gen. A.
H. Terry's division of the 10th Corps, and commanded by Lieut.
Col. R. R. Jackson, chief of artillery, did effectual service
The men of the well-trained 10th Corps displayed a steadiness
and coolness seldom equalled and never surpassed. The rebels were
most determined in their efforts, but, finding that they could not
break through the lines, finally gave way, retreating in confusion,
having lost over one thousand in killed and wounded. Our loss was
but little over one' hundred in killed, wounded and missing, from
Abbott's brigade chiefly. The 97th P. V. had only one wounded,
James Hayes, Company E.
The rout of the enemy was complete. Their retreat in great con-
fusion was closely followed, by Gen. Terry's division of the 10th
Corps, until they had reached the shelter of their intrenched lines,
capturing a considerable number of prisoners.
A correspondent of the New York Herald, in giving an account
of this action, thus speaks of the 10th Corps: "October 7, 1864.
Midnight, before Richmond. * * * It is a source of
great satisfaction to me to reflect that my confident assertions of
the valor of the 10th Corps, and its ability to repel any flank attack
the rebels might attempt, have been brought to a teet and fully
sustained. * * *"
Gen. Bimey remained throughout the day with his troops, though
during the afternoon he was compelled to exchange the saddle for
the more comfortable means of transit in an ambulance. He was
soon after obliged to accept a leave of absence and returned to his
home in Philadelphia, where he died, on October 18. His remains
were consigned, with military honors, to Woodlands Cemetery.
Gen. Bimey was one of the bravest, most faithful and con-
scientious officers of the national army, whose qualities and worth
will be cherished with tenacious devotion by all whose fortune it
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1864.] DEATH OF MAJOR GENERAL D. B. BIRNEY. 327
was to know him or to serve under his command. Upon receiving
notice of his death, Gen. Butler issued the following orders:
Head-Quarters Department Virginia and North Carolina,
Army op the James, in the Field, October 21, 1864.
General Orders No. 135.
Soldiers op the Army op the James I — With deep grief from the heart the
sad word must be said — M^jor General David B. Biroej is dead.
But yesterday be was with as — leading you to victory. If the choice of the
manner of death had been his, il would have been to have died on the field of
battle as your cheers rang in his ear. But the All-Wise **determineth all things
well."
Qeneral BirEey died at his home, in Philadelphia, on Tuesday last, of disease,
contracted on the field in the line of his duty.
Surrounded by all that makes life desirable — a happy home — endeared family
relations — leaving affluence and ease — as a volunteer at the call of his country —
be came into the service in April, 1861. Almost every battle field whereon the
Army of the Potomac has fought has witnessed his valor. Rising rapidly in
bis profession, no more deserved appointment has been made by the President
than General Birney's assignment to the command of the 10th Army Corps.
Tbe respect and love of the soldiers of his own corps have been shown by the
manner they followed him.
The patriot — ^the hero — ^the soldier. By no death has the country sustained a
greater loss.
Although not bred to arms he has shown every soldierly quality and illustrated
that profession of his love and choice.
It is not the purpose of this order — nor will the woe of the heart of the officer
giving it — now permit him to write General Birney's eulogy.
Yet even amid the din of arms — and upon the eve of battle, it is fit that we,
bis comrades, should pause a moment to draw from the example of his life the
lesson it teaches.
To him the word duty — with all its obligations and incentives — was the spur
of action. He had no enemies, save the enemies of his country — a frieml, a
brother to us all — it remains to us to see to it, by treading the path of duty as
be has done — ^that the great object for which he has struggled with us and laid
down his life — shall not fail and his death be profitless.
Soldiers of the 10th Army Corps I Your particular grief at the loss of your
brave commander has the sympathy of every soldier in the army. It will be
yours to show your respect to bis memory, by serving your country in the future
as with you Birney has served it in the past
By command of Major General Butler.
Ed. W. Smith, Ass't Adjt. Gen.
Brig. Gren. A. H. Terry succeeded Gen. Birney in the command
of the 10th Corps, which continued to hold the position thus stub-
bornly maintained. The 97th P. V. was stationed, during the re-
mainder of October, near Chapin's Farm.
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328 HISTORT OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. [October,
On October 8, Dr. J. B. Wood, of Chester County, and Col. WiU
liam Cooper Talley, of Delaware County, visited the 97th P. V. on
official duty connected with the State and Presidential elections.
They had been commissioned by the Governor of Pennsylvania, in
accordance with the act of Assembly, to receive the vote of the
soldiers from the district. They reported to Col. Pennypacker,
whose guests they became, and with whom they remained until after
the October election had taken place. Dr. Wood wrote thus to the
West Chester Record of their reception and entertainment: "The
men received us with great cordiality, and I recognized many fa-
miliar faces, and was the honored bearer of many dispatches from
them to their families. The hospitality of Col. Pennypacker (now
acting brigadier general) knew no bounds; we fared sumptuously
with him for two days."
The State election, on the 11th, was very quietly conducted in the
camp of the Regiment. The vote polled by the Army of the James
was small in consequence of the men not having tax receipts; nor
had county tickets been provided — a grave omission on the part of
the friends of the soldiers at home. The army vote was largely in
favor of the Administration, being about six to one. The 97th P.
V. polled one hundred and twenty votes, of which eighty-six were
cast for the Republican ticket and thirty-four for the Democratic.
The commissioners revisited the Regiment, in November, for the
purpose of receiving th6 vote for President. On that occasion, the
97th P. V. polled two hundred and twenty votes, of which one hun-
dred and eight were for Lincoln and one hundred and twelve for
McClellan. Nearly one hundred substitutes and drafted men had
been added to the Regiment since the previous election, which
caused this disproportion in the vote. The original men of the
Regiment voted for Lincoln almost to a man ; drafted men and sub-
stitutes, being unwilling soldiers, were more favorably disposed
toward*the Democratic candidate.
On October 11, 1864, Gen. Butler issued a congratulatory order
to the troops of his command, from which the following extracts are
taken:
Head-Quarters Department Virginia and North Carolina,
Army of the James, before Richmond, October 11, 1864.
Congratulatory Order.
Soldiers of the Army of the James : The time has come when it is due
to you that some word should be said of your deeds I In accordance with the
plan committed to you, by the lieutenant general commanding the armies — ^for
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^^•1 GENERAL BUTLER'S (CONGRATULATORY ORDER. 829
the first time of the war, folly taking advaotage of our facilities of steam trans-
portatioD — you performed a march without parallel in the history of the war. At
sunset cf the 4th of May, you were threatening the enemy's capital, from West
Point and the White House, within thirty miles of its eastern side.
Within twenty-four hours, at sunset, on the 5th of May, by a march of a hun-
dred and thirty miles, you transported thirty-five thousand men^ their baggage,
supplies, horses, wagons and artillery, within fifteen miles of the south side of
Richmond, with such celerity and secrecy, that the enemy were wholly unpre-
pared for your coming, and allowed you, without opposition, to seize the strongest
natural position of the continent — a victory all the more valuable because blood-
less. Seizing the enemy's communications, between their capital and the south,
you held them until the 26th of May. * * *
From the 12th to the 16th of May, you moved on the enemy's works, around
Fort Darling, holding him in check while your cavalry cut the Danville Road,
cnttiDg his first line of works, repulsing with great slaughter his attack, which
was intended for your destruction. Retiring at leisure to your position, you
fortified it, repulsing three several attacks of the enemy, until you have made it
strong enough to hold itself. Fortifying Powhatan, Wilson's Wharf, Fort Poca-
hontas, you secured your communications and have practically moved Fortress
Monroe, as a base, within fifteen miles of the rebel capital, there to remain until
that travels. Re-embarking, after you had secured your position, with nearly
your whole effective strength, under Maj. Oen. William F. Smith, you again ap-
peared at White House, forty-eight hours after you received the order to march,
participating at the memorable battle of Cold Harbor, with the Army of the
Potomac, where the number and character of your gallant dead, attest your
bravery and courage. Again returning in advance of that army, on the 15th of
June, under Gen. William F. Smith, the 18th Corps (to which the 2d division of
the 10th Corps was attached), captured the right of the line of defences around
Petersburg, and nine pieces of artillery, which lines you have since held for three
months.
On June 16, a portion of the 10th Corps, under Brig. Gen. Alfred H. Terry,
again threw itself upon the enemy's communications between Richmond and
Petersburg, and destroyed miles of the road, holding the point for several days.
The 10th Corps, on August 14, passing the James at Deep Bottom, under Maj.
Oen. David B. Blrney, by a series of brilliant charges, carried the enemy's works
near New Market, and, two days later, another line of works at Fussell's Mills
(Strawberry Plains), defended by the best troops of Lee's army, bringing back
four guns and three battle flags as trophies of their valor.
Again crossing the James, on September 29, with the 10th and 18th Corps,
with celerity, precision, secrecy and promptness of movement seldom equalled,
with both corps in perfect co-operation, you assailed and carried, at the same
moment, with the 10th Corps and the 3d division of the 18th, under Gen. Birney,
the enemy's strong works, with double lines of abattis, at Spring Hill and New
Market, while the remaining division of the 18th Corps, under Maj. Gen. E. 0.
C. Ord, carried by assault, Battery Harrison, capturing twenty-five pieces of
heavy ordnance, the strongest of the enemy's works around Richmond. The
army thus possessed itself of the outer line of the enemy's works, and advanced
to the very gates of Richmond.
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330 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. [October.
So vital was your success at Battery Hamilton that, oo October 1, under the
eye of Oen. Lee himself — massing his best troops, the enemy made most deter-
mined assaults upon your lines to retake It, and were driven back with loss of
seven battle flags and almost the annihilation of Clingman's brigade.
After weeks of preparation, massing all his veteran troops on your right flank,
on the Tth of October, the enemy drove in our cavalry with the loss of some
pieces of horse artillery; but, meeting the steady troops of the lOth Corps, were
repulsed with slaughter, losing three commanders of brigades, killed and
wounded, and many field and line officers and men, killed, wounded and prisoners.
Such is the glorious record of the Army of the James I Never beaten in
battle — never repulsed in assault by a larger portion of its forces than a
brigade. * * *
In the present movement, where all have deserved ^o well, it is almost invidioas
to use names ; yet, justice requires especially gallant acts to be noticed. * *
The commanding general is quite conscious that in his endeavor to pat on
record the gallant deeds of the officers and soldiers of the Army of the James,
he has, almost of necessity, because of imperfection of reports, omitted many
deserving of mention; yet, aa these gallant men will, on other occasions, equally
distinguish themselves, they can then take their due place in their country's
history. * * *
Tenth Corps, Second Division, Second Brigade. — Col. G. Pennypacker, 97th
P. Y, commanding 2d brigade, 2d division, 10th Corps, for his zealous and un-
tiring offortd to make his brigade efficient, and for the manner in which be led
it in action, is commended by his corps commander and recommended to the
President for promotion by brevet.
1st Lieut. John Wainwright, commanding 97th P. V., has honorable mention
for the gallant manner in which he conducted the Regiment during the engage-
ment, October 7.
2d Lieut. William H. Eves, Company G, 97th P. V., behaved with especial
gallantry in both assaults, and is recommended for promotion to his Excellency
the Governor of Pennsylvania.
Sergt. William H. Martin, Company A, 97th P. V., commanded his company
in both assaults, and led his men with bravery and admirable order in the assault
of September 29, for which he has most honorable mention and is recommended
to his Excellency the Governor of Pennsylvania for promotion to 1st lieutenant.
Corp. David S. Harry, Company B, 97th P. V., is mentioned for special
gallantry in both assaults, on the 29th of September. He is appointed 2d lieute-
nant U. S. Colored Troops.
Private William McCarty, Company D, 97th P. V., is honorably mentioned
for special gallantry, bearing his colors in advance of bis regiment, in the absence
of the color sergeant, is also recommended to the Secretary of War for a
medal. * * *
By command of Major General Butler.
[Signed] Ed. W. Smith, A. A. G.
At daybreak, on October 27, Gen. Butler again advanced against
the defences of Richmond. The 10th Corps moved from its position
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tery. His term of service expired and he was to have been
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^^*J ACTION AT DARBY TOWN, VA. 331
at Chapin's Farm and, taking the Darby Town Road, extended
their lines across in the direction of Charles City Road.
On reaching the small village of Darby Town, four and a half
miles from Richmond, a skirmish line was thrown forward and a
sharp encounter with the enemy took place. The skirmishers
easily pushed the rebels back, but at length came upon their
earthworks and were suddenly checked by a galling fire.
After a little delay, at mid-day, all preparations having been made,
an advance along the whole line was ordered. The men dashed upon
the foe, driving them inside their intrenchments, from which, how-
ever, they continued to keep up a brisk fire. The troops, with
great determination, gained and held a position well up to the
enemy's lines and maintained a persistent fire upon their works
until nightfall.
Meanwhile, the 18th Corps, operating on the left of the 10th,
suffered heavily, principally by capture, losing a large portion
of the two advance brigades, the rebels having laid a trap into
which they were drawn. After this disaster, the entire movement
being only a feint to attract the enemy's attention while the Army
of the Potomac was fighting at Hatcher's Run, the 10th Corps
was ordered to retire out of reach of the enemy's guns under cover
of the night.
The 97th P. V. was commanded by Capt. George W. Hawkins,
Company I During the engagement, it was temporarily detached
and sent to support the 1st brigade, commanded by Col. N. M.
Curtis, 142d N. Y. The Regiment distinguished itself anew in a
brilliant charge upon a salient of the enemy's works, in order to
straijghten the line and make complete connection between the 2d
and 3d divisions. The attack was successful. An officer who wit-
nessed the charge, said to Col. Pennypacker: "That's the d st
regiment of yours to fight I ever saw. It seems to think of nothing
else." He was informed that this was the result of its early train-
ing. The Regiment lost two killed, nine wounded and one taken pri-
soner. Capt. Hawkins was severely wounded in the left leg. He
was carried to the field hospital, where, early on the following
morning, the injured limb was amputated. He, however, died soon
after from prostration. After much difficulty, Lieut. Jones, quarter-
master 97th P. v., succeeded in forwarding his remains to his father,
in Upper Darby, Del. Co. He was buried in Mount Moriah Ceme-
tery. His term of service expired and he was to have been
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332 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. [October,
mustered out on the day he fell. A commission, as lieutenant
colonel, was issued by Gov. Curtin and forwarded to his family on
the day after the information of his death reached Harrisburg.
Lieut. Thomas Cosgriff, Company F, was also wounded while in
command of his company. He was sent to the U. S. Hospital, at
Fortress Monroe, from which he was discharged, November 19, his
term of service having expired.
After Capt. Hawkins fell, the command of the Regiment again
devolved upon Lieut. Wainwright, Company F. Being at the time
detached from his brigade, he received no notice to retire with the
other troops, and was left upon the field, with the Regiment, during
the night, unsupported and exposed to capture. It, however, re-
mained in its position until morning, when notice was sent to inform
Lieut. Wainwright that the corps had returned to its former posi-
tion, at Chapin's Farm, on the evening of the 29th, where the 97th
P. V. then joined it and reoccupied its former camp.
The third anniversary of the organization had now arrived. The
changes that occurred during the year are here noted: seven hun-
dred and six officers and men stood upon the roster to be ac-
counted for on October 29, 1863; since that time one officer and
eighteen recruits had joined, and two hundred and eighty-eight sub-
stitutes were assigned to the Regiment, making a total of one thou-
sand and thirteen, including the re-enlisted veterans; during the
year, two field officers resigned and one staff officer was discharged
to accept promotion in another regiment; three staff officers were
discharged by reason of expiration of term of service; two others
were killed or died of wounds; three company officers resigned; six
others were discharged on expiration of term of service; sif for
wounds or other disability; four were killed or died of wounds,
making a total loss of twenty-seven officers; one man was dis-
charged to accept promotion; one discharged by order of the War
Department; twenty-six discharged on surgeon's certificate, many
of them for wounds while absent in hospitals; two hundred and
forty-one men were mustered out of service on account of expiration
of term ; one hundred and seven men were killed or died of wounds ;
thirty-four died of disease, mostly absent in hospitals, several in
rebel prisons; three were transferred to the U. S. Signal Corps; four
wounded men were transferred to the 16th Veteran Reserve Corps,
one of whom received promotion ; nine substitutes (formerly of the
rebe army) were transferred to the Department of the Northwest
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1864.] DISCHARGE AND MUSTER-OUT OP OFFICERS AND MEN. 333
for frontier service; seven volunteers and seventy substitutes de-
serted; four were recaptured, three of whom were executed for de-
sertion; total loss in Regiment during the third year, five hundred
and thirty, leaving a total of four hundred and eighty-three ofiicers
and men remaining in the Regiment.
From May to November, 1864, the loss had been one hundred
and thirteen killed or died of wounds; three hundred and thirteen
wounded and thirty-nine captured, an siggregate of four hundred
and sixty-five, being a daily average loss of three men.
The following officers were discharged during the month for
wounds: Capt. Francis M. Guss and 2d Lieut. Isaac J. Burton, Com-
pany A, on the 3d; Capt. William S. Mendenhall, Company D, on
the 4th; all at Annapolis, Md. Capt. Jonas M. C. Savage, Com-
pany B, on the 22d, at Washington, D. C.
The following were mustered out during the month, at Chapin's
Farm, Va., on account of expiration of term: Capt. D. W. C. Lewis,
Company F, on the 3d; Ist Lieut. Gasway O. Yarnall, on the 14th;
Capt. Caleb Hoopes, on the 17th; 2d Lieut. William H. Eves, on
the 22d; all of Company G; Regimental Qr. Mr. David Jones, on
the 31st.
Capt. Lewis subsequently received brevet promotion, by the War
Department, as major and lieutenant colonel, for faithful services.
Qr. Mr. Jones also received brevet promotion, from the Governor of
Pennsylvania, as captain and major.
Several other officers, whose term of service had previously ex-
pired, were mustered out at Chapin's Farm, in November.
James Mc Williams, 2d lieutenant Company E, on the 3d, and 1st
Lieut. John McGrath, same company (acting commissary of sub-
sistence, 2d brigade), on the 10th; Surgeon J. R. Everhart, chief
medical officer of 2d brigade, on the 12th. He was subsequently
brevetted, by Gov. Curtin, as lieutenant colonel, in recognition of
his faithful services.
The original officers of the Regiment had now all been discharged
or mustered out of service excepting Col. Pennypacker. Of the
original men, only the re-enlisted veterans remained. About one
hmidred and fifty men, recruits and conscripts, were received in No-
vember, at Chapin's Farm. They were mostly for one year's service,
forwarded from Philadelphia, from all parts of the State. They
were a much better class of men than the substitutes of 1863.
Henry Odiorne, 1st lieutenant Company D, acting commissary of
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334 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. fNovember,
subsistence, at the corps hospital, returned to the Regiment for
duty, at his own request, on the 15th.
John Wainwright, 1st lieutenant Company F, now the senior
officer of the Regiment, had been in command as ranking officer for
several weeks. He had also assumed the company responsibility of
five companies which had been left without a commissioned officer.
It had been his desire to be mustered out of service at the expira-
tion of his term, but he was induced to continue in command until
an accession to the number of the Regiment should entitle it to the
muster of an additional field officer. A commission as captain, to
date from November 1, was received, but he declined to be mustered
in that grade. Subsequent occurrences, in connection with the bril-
liant movements in which the Regiment participated, determined
him to accept the promotion that then presented.
Most of the companies were, at this time, commanded by 1st
sergeants. Commissions for the following worthy non-commissioned
officers were received in November, viz.: 1st Sergt. William H.
Martin, Company A, as 2d lieutenant: Qr. Mr. Sergt. Leonard R.
Thomas, Company C, as 2d lieutenant, and 1st Sergt. Theodore M.
Smedley, Company H, as 1st lieutenant. The latter, detailed as
acting regimental adjutant, No-
vember 6, remained upon that duty
until wounded, two months later.
The Regiment remained at Cha-
pin's Farm, during November and
part of December, performing in-
trenchment and picket duty, with-
out material incident to note. The
position held was a very strong one.
The camp of the Regiment was
finely situated near the right of the
officers' quarters, chapin's farm. , '^ ®
line occupied by the division.
Hon. Edwin M. Stanton, Secretary of War, accompanied by Brig.
Gens. Montgomery C. Meigs, chief quarter- master; Amos B. Eaton,
chief commissary, and Joseph K. Barnes, surgeon general, visited
the armies operating against Richmond and Petersburg, about this
time, to inspect the condition of the troops, in order to provide
whatever should be needed. Orders were now received for the
troops to prepare winter quarters. To a body of raw recruits, the
order, without a supply of material, would seem vague and irre*
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^^•5 PREPARATION OF WINTER QUARTERS. 335 •
levant, in an enemy's country destitute of the ordinary supplies,
but to the veterans the order implied bvsiness^ material or no ma-
terial. A correspondent, after alluding to the dilemma of the re-
cruit^ thus describes the veteran^ 8 eflforts :
"* * * Not 80 the veteran. If he be camped in the pine forest,
giFe him an old axe, a bootleg, a mud-puddle, a board or two and a handful of
Dail8, and he builds him a house — a house, too, comfortable and commodious, and
DOt wanting in architectural beauty. First, he fells his trees, then cuts and
notches his logs, and lays them together to the required height. His roof he puts
on, giving it a great slope and thatching it with the green of the pine tops. He
has been careful to leave window spaces, and tacking pieces of shelter tents
over these, he has provided light, but keeps out the nipping air of winter.
Then, with his board, he makes his door, and the bootleg supplying the hinges,
it soon swings in its place. Then he fills the spaces between the logs with soft
earth from his mud-puddle and his house is done except the chimney. The forest
and the mud-puddle soon provide that, for his chimney is nothing but a pile of
sticks plentifully plastered within and without with mud. Then, with his old
axe, he manufactures, out of pine logs, a full assortment of furniture — bed-
steads, chairs, table, wardrobe and generally adds a mantel. Lastly, with a bright
fire upon his hearth, he is prepared to laugh at winter and to welcome his
friends. * * *"
The pine woods
around Chapin's Farm
were soon leveled for
miles — ^neat and com-
fortable quarters were
constructed as above
described. Many of
them had brick fire-
places, the bricks being ^^^ ^^ ^^ chapin^b pabm.
obtained from houses
that in army parlance "went up," passed out of existence in a
day, to furnish material for chimneys and doors for the winter
quarters of the Army of the James. These snug log huts gave
each regiment the appearance of a little village, neatly laid out in
streets.
On November 22, Chaplain David W. Moore, having tendered his
resignation on accoimt of failing health from exposure, which being
accepted by Gen. Butler, he then prepared to return to his home at
Centreville, Delaware. When about to leave the Regiment, he ad-
dressed the following words of farewell :
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336 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. [November,
Head-Quarters 97th P. Y., Chapin's Farm, Va.,
November 22, 1864.
Oppioers and Men op the OTth P. V.
We are about to bid you farewell, after having been associated with you during
a memorable period of your history, viz.: that of infliction of heavy casualties; we
have seen your noble 'ranks broken by that stern destroyer, Death! but while
we have seen the flower of the 97th P. Y. cut down, by the cruel hands of war,
we have beheld the sun of glory to arise and shine upon the heads of those who
have survived the terrible conflict and upon the graves of your comrades. The
dead upon the bloody battle fields of Bermuda Hundred, Gold Harbor, Peters-
burg, Deep Bottom and Ghapiu's Bluff attest the bravery and glory of the
historic 97th P. Y. The sun of honor has risen over you, as a regiment, never
to set until time shall be no longer. And, while painful emotions arise in oar
hearts, as we recall the names of the honored dead, yet theirs are ''sweet
memories indeed," for we delight to dwell upon their heroism as soldiers of their
country, and we need no appliance of marble or epitaph to preserve the record
of their heroic character, for such is engraved upon our hearts never to be effaced
or forgotten.
In bidding you farewell, feelings of sadness mingle with those of joy; strong
attachments have already sprung up, the severing of which ties now gives paiD.
The very circumstances under which our friendship has been formed — those of
war — which renders a separation liable at any moment, knits more strongly the
cords of attachment. Besides, we are loath to leave a faithful band of men, in
whom we feel such a deep interest and who have treated us with such kindness
and respect, exposed to the further ravages of war. And we can but regret that
our labors have not been more efficient in doing good as an army chaplain. But
it is pleasant to recall to mind your deeds of noble daring, of which we have
been an eye witness; and the lives and characters of the officers and men of the
97th P. Y. It is a pleasure to know that you, as a regiment, have won unfading
laurels and that renown is yours. Then it gives us pleasure to remember bow
you have received us as a minister of Christ; we have had the most hearty co-
operation on the part of the officers of the 97th P. Y. in the performance of our
duties as chaplain. The attention you have given to our feeble instructions from
the word of God has been always good and reflects great credit upon you as
soldiers. Then, nothing unpleasant has been permitted to mar our happiness,
interrupt our peaceful associations or to destroy our usefulness among you. And
wo derive some pleasure from the sense of having endeavored to be faithful in
counseling you as a spiritual teacher. As man, we are fallible — "To err is
human," and we claim no exception in this respect. But, whatever we have
done or left undone, the record is now sealed, the recording angel has completed
his task and we have to wait the final day of review, when we all shall read
together what has been written, every thought, word and deed. Oh I that we all
may hail such a day with joy, and not with grief and sorrow. And that such a
privilege and blessing may be yours as that of meeting God — on the great plains
of the judgment day — ^reconciled, and your friend in and through His Son,
Jesus Christ, and our dear Saviour; we exhort you once again to become as
good soldiers of the cross as you have been and are of the crown. Fight as
manfully the battles of faith as you have fought those of your country. Conquer
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1864.] REORGANIZATION OP THE ARMY OF THE JAMES. 337
tbe rebellion of sin and wickedness in your own hearts — as certainlj as joa will
coDqner this rebellion against oar free institations of Liberty and Union — and a
spiritual Wctory will be yoars also; nnfading crowns of glory will cover your
beadfl and the sun of eternal peace will rise to shine upon you forevermore. To
tbe God of all grace, Father, Son and Holy Ghost, we prayerfully commit and
commend you all, in life, in death and in eternity.
Officers and soldiers of the 97th P. V., we bid you a kind and effectionate fare-
well. D. W. MooEB, Chaplain OUh P. V.
In response to this farewell, Col. Pennypacker addressed the fol-
lowmg testimonial letter to the late chaplain:
Head-Quarters 2d Bbtoadb, 2d Division, 10th A. C, in the Field, Va.,
November 22, 1864.
I deem it my simple duty to Chaplain Dav^id W. Moore to say that he leaves
the 97th Reg., Pa. Vols, with the kind wishes and warm thanks of .all its
members. By his departure, the service loses a valuable officer; the cause of
Christian religion, a true disciple in the field ; and the soldier, a sincere and de-
voted friend. With one accord, we all say fervently, " May God be with him."
G. Pennypacker,
Col. 97th Regt. Pa. Vols.
Chaplain Moore had served diligently and faithfully for a period
of six months of most arduous and exposing service. He was
greatly respected and beloved by both officers and men of the Regi-
ment and brigade. The author especially remembers his kind at-
tention and care, upon the occasion of his illness, with feelings of
appreciative gratitude. His kindly courtesy was manifest in his in-
tercourse with all, and his departure from the Regiment was uni-
versally regretted.
On December 2, 1864, the Army of the James was reorganized
the 10th Corps and 18th Corps being consolidated to constitute the
24th Army Corps. The colored troops of those corps, together with
those of the 9th Corps, constituted the 25th Corps. Maj. Gen. E.
0. C. Ord was placed in command of the 24th, and Maj. Gen. God-
frey Weitzel in command of the 25th Corps. The 1st and 2d divi-
sions of the 24th Corps formerly belonged to the 10th Corps, and
the 3d division of the 24th Corps to the 18th Corps; the 2d divi-
sion being the same organization as when in the 10th Corps, with
Col. G. Pennypacker still in command of the 2d brigade; the
only change in the division being the assignment of Brig. Gen.
Adelbert Ames to its command. The 10th and 18th Corps were,
however, reconstructed after the capture of Fort Fisher. .
22
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338 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. [December
CHAPTER XI.
Department of North Carolina; Butler's Expedition to Fort
Fisher; Terry and Porter Capture Fort Fisher; Advance
upon Wilmington; Occupation of Goldsboro' and Raleigh;
Lee's Surren'der to Grant; Johnson's Surrender to Sherman;
Occupation of Gaston and Weldon, N. C; Muster-out and
Return Home; December, 1864, to August 28, 1865.
REPARATIONS were now being made for a forward
movement in the Department of North Carolina and
operations directed with especial reference to the
early reduction of Fort Fisher. This strong work
defended the entrance, by the Cape Fear River, to
Wilmington, N. C, by far the most important of the
few seaports still in possession of the enemy. Its
strategic value was the greater because our navy
could not perfectly seal it by blockade. Rear Ad-
miral David D. Porter, commanding the Nctrth' Atlantic Squadron,
had collected, early in November, in Hampton Roads, the largest
flotilla ever assembled for an assault on a single point. Unusual
attention was attracted to these preparations by northern journals,
more desirous of giving their readers information than careful to
count the consequence of giving, also, the enemy all they desired to
know of important movements of the army and navy, causing the
expedition to be delayed until late in December.
Gen. Butler had conceived the project of a torpedo vessel, to be
disguised as a blockade runner, and charged with two hundred and
fifty tons of powder, to be run under the sea-wall of Fort Fisher
at night, and there exploding it by a fuse, trusting that at least the
garrison would be so paralyzed by the resulting shock as to facilitate
a prompt seizure of the fort by its besiegers. Some delay occuned
in these preparations. An old war-worn propeller, the Louisiana,
was dismantled and prepared, under the direction of Admiral Porter,
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^^•^•1 OPERATIONS AGAINST FORT FISHER. 339
and the requisite means of securing the success of the project were
adopted.
At sunset, on the 7th of December, the land forces, under com-
mand of Maj. Gen. Godfrey Weitzel, left camp, at Chapin's Farm,
Va. About three thousand, officers and men, had been selected
fix)m the 2d division of the 24th Corps, commanded by Brig. Gen.
Adelbert Ames; a like number of colored troops from the 3d divi-
sion of the 25th Corps, commanded by Brig. Gen. Charles J. Paine;
Company E 3d U. S. Art'y, commanded by Ist Lieut. John R.
Myrick, with six pieces of field artillery, and the 16th N. Y. Inde-
pendent Light Battery, commanded by Capt. Richard H. Lee, to-
gether with a company of the 1st N. Y. Engs., commanded by 1st
Lieut. Charles B. Parsons, the whole comprising about six thou-
sand five hundred, officers and men. Crossing the James River, at
Deep Bottom, the march was continued through a heavy rain, to
the signal tower, near Point of Rocks, where the troops were or-
dered to bivouac for the night.
Col. G. Fred. Granger, of the 9th Maine, remained in command
of the camp of the division, at Chapin's Farm; Capt. James A.
Bamett, of the 48th N. Y., in command of the brigade detachment,
and Ist Lieut. WiUiam H. Martin in charge of recent conscripts
and convalescents at the camp of the 97th P. V., with instructions
to maintain squad drill, camp guard, etc, Lieut. Martin was also
acting assistant adjutant general at division head-quarters.
The troops embarked on ocean transports early on the morning
of the 8th. Col. Pennypacker's brigade, numbering eleven hun-
dred men, was put on board the steamers Perriott, L. Moore and
Idaho.
At 3 A. M. on the 13th, Gen. Butler, who accompanied the
expedition, gave the signal for starting, and, in order to mislead
the e^emy as to its destination, proceeded up Chesapeake Bay
and Potomac River, to Matthias Point, in view of the scouts and
signal men of the enemy, returning the following night to anchor
under the lee of Cape Charles.
On the 14th, the transports went to sea, arrived off New Inlet
on the 15th, and came to anchor soon after at the rendezvous at
Masonboro' Lilet.
Porter's fleet arrived off Beaufort, N. C, on the 16th, and having
to procure ammunition there for his monitors, did not arrive at New
Inlet until the evening of the 18th. Having previously succeeded
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340 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. [December,
in getting soundings of the beach within one hundred and fifty
yards of the works, Admiral Porter prepared to send in the powder
boat Louisiana; but, upon information that the transports of Gen.
Butler had nearly exhausted their supply of coal and water, and
the gale increasing in severity, operations were delayed. The trans-
ports returned to Beaufort to replenish ; the continuance of the gale
prevented their return until the 24th.
After the storm ceased the sea went down rapidly. The night of
the 23d was clear and fair — the wind light from N. N. W. Admiral
Porter having determined to attack on the next day, the 24th, had
sent word to Gen. Butler to that eflfect. Porter, at 10 P. M.,
without waiting for the arrival of Butler's force, ordered Com-
mander Alexander C. Rhind to proceed in at once and blow up the
powder boat. That intrepid and gallant officer, with a few men of
equal bravery, successfully carried out the plan of conducting the
LAND AND BBA FBOKT OF FORT FISHBR.
Louisiana to the designated position, and, setting the clock at 11.50
P. M., to run an hour and a half before exploding the powder, re-
turned to the Wilderness, awaiting them. At 1.40 A. M., a huge
column of fire rushed straight upward; four loud explosions followed
at intervals of about half a second and all was darkness. The ex-
plosion, however, failed to damage the enemy's works. It was in-
tended to have been followed by an immediate bombardment and
the landing of Butler's forces upon the peninsula above the fort.
It was 11.30 A. M., on the 24th, when Porter's fleet advanced
and began the bombardment. A rapid, accurate and terrible fire
was concentrated upon the fort, which opened briskly in return, but
the well-directed range of the fleet had such effect as to silence
the enemy's guns in about seventy-five minutes, it also set on fire
the combustible material and exploded two of the magazines. The
fire was continued without interruption until sunset. By this time
Gen. Butler's transports had returned.
At 7 A. M., on the 25th, the bombardment was renewed and con-
tinued for several hours, the enemy responding for a short time with
two guns only. A portion of Porter's vessels drew off, having ex-
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^^•1 OPERATIONS AGAINST FORT FISHER. 341
hausted their ammunition. The iron clads were ordered to continue
the fire throughout the night.
In the meantime, on the morning of the 24th, the transports of
Gen. Ames' division anchored near the shore, two and a half miles
north of Fort Fisher, and commenced debarking the troops. The
1st brigade advanced its skirmishers and, while the 2d brigade (Col.
Pennypacker's), was landing, the enemy opened a slight infantry fire,
which was quickly silenced.
Gen. Weitzel advanced Col. Curtis' brigade (the 1st) upon a re-
connoissance toward the fort, reaching to within eight hundred
yards of it. He then pushed forward a strong skirmish line to
within one hundred and fifty yards, capturing a small outwork called
Flag Pond Hill Battery, mounting one eight-inch gun, with two
officers and sixty-five men, belonging to the 17th and 42d N. C, of
Kirkland's brigade. They held out a white flag as the force ad-
vanced with them. The navy sent boats and took the prisoners on
board the fleet.
Gen. Weitzel's observations having convinced him that Fort
Fisher was exceedingly strong, and that its defensive power had not
been essentially injured by Porter's fire, he returned, as directed, to
Gen. Butler and reported that it would be unsafe to assault such a
work with sixty-five hundred men. Gen. Butler, disappointed, then
ran his vessel close in shore to observe the works, and reluctantly
acquiesced in Weitzers decision. In the interval between Weitzel
leaving the fort and reporting to Gen. Butler, Curtis reported to
Ames that he could take the fort. Ames then sent the remainder of
his division forward to make the attempt. At some distance from
the small battery already captured by Curtis was another of similar
construction, called Half Moon Battery. This, Col. Rufus Daggett's
regiment, the 117th N. Y., dashed rapidly upon and secured,
taking prisoners a major, five other oflicers and two hundred and
eighteen men. Curtis continued to advance, his skirmish line reach-
ing within from fifty to seventy-five yards of the fort, protected by
the glacis, constructed in such manner as to give cover, the garri-
son being kept in their bombproofs by the fire of the navy. A
number of men on the skirmish lines were here wounded by the
shell from the fleet. By the time Curtis had reached this position
it was dark. The navy had almost ceased its fire; the enemy began
to man their guns again. The order to retire had been received by
Gen. Ames, and Curtis was recalled just as he had disposed his force
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342 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. [December,
for an assault. There was no choice left but to obey the positive
order, which, if delayed fifteen minutes, would have been too late to
have prevented the demonstration of the unsolved problem, "Could
Fort Fisher have been then taken by the troops before itV Curtis
believed that it could if his brigade was properly supported and re-
inforced by the remainder of the division; and the remainder of
the division only needed the command " Forward" to have followed
him as closely as it did subsequently.
The aggregate force of the garrison was afterward ascertained to
have been one thousand and seventy-seven men, of which two hun-
dred and fifty were of the junior reserves, fifty sailors, the remain-
der well-disciplined veteran troops, all under command of Col. Wil-
liam Lamb, acting under direction of Maj. Gen. William H. C.
Whiting, provisional army C. S.
As the troops retired, the guns of the fort and a sharp fire of
musketry swept the beach over which they moved.
The casualties to our force were one officer captured, about fifteen
men wounded, by our shells, in the skirmish line, and one was sub-
sequently drowned in the surf while re-embarking. The number
of prisoners captured was eight officers and two hundred and eighty-
three men. Owing to the difficulty of landing supplies for his men,
Gen. Butler now determined to withdraw his force and return to
Fortress Monroe.
The re-embarking of the troops was attended with great diffi-
culty on account of the roughness of the sea ; it occupied all of the
26th. About three hundred of the 1st brigade remained ashore until
the morning of the 27th. After reaching Fortress Monroe, the
land force proceeded to their former position at Chapin's Farm.
Commissions had been received, during December, for 2d Lieut.
William H. Martin, Company A, as 1st lieutenant; 2d Lieut. Leo-
nard R. Thomas, Company C, as 1st lieutenant; Sergt Maj. Chey-
ney T. Haines, Company G, as 1st lieutenant, and 1st Sergt. Phares
P. Brown, Company H, as 2d lieutenant. The warrant of sergeant
major was then given to Corp. Henry R. Coates, Company K, and
that of quarter-master sergeant to Corp. John H. Brower, Com-
pany F.
The failure of Butler's expedition and the withdrawal of his
force gave rise to much controversial comment. Porter was cre-
dited with saying, with logical force, " I don't pretend to put my
opinion in opposition to that of Gen. Weitzel, who is a thorough
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18M.] grant's instructions TO GENERAL WEITZEL. 343
soldier and an able engineer, and whose business it is to know more
of assaulting than I do, but I cannot help thinking that it was
worth while to make the attempt after coming so far."
Gen. Grant was profoundly dissatisfied; he had intended Weitzel
to have commanded the expedition, but had acquiesced in Gen.
Butler accompanying at his urgent request. Grant's instructions
for the guidance of Weitzel had been through courtesy communi-
cated to Butler, as the department commander, in the following
letter:
Head-Quabters, Armies op the United States,
City Point, Va., December 6, 1864.
General: The first object of tbe expedition under General Weitzel is to
close to the enemy the port of Wilmington. If successful in this, the second
will be the capture of Wilmington itself. There are reasonable grounds to hope
for success, if ad\rantage can be taken of the absence of a great part of the
enemy's forces, now looking after Sherman in Georgia. The directions you have
given for the number and equipment of the expedition are all right, except in the
unimportant one of where they embark and the amount of intrenching tools to be
taken. The object of the expedition will be gained on affecting a landing on the
main land between Cape Fear River and the Atlantic, north of the north entrance
to the river. Should such landing be effected, whether the enemy hold Fort
Fisher or the batteries guarding the entrance to the river there, the troops should
intrench themselves, and by co-operating with the navy effect the reduction and
capture of those places.' These in our hands, the navy could enter the harbor
and tbe port of Wilmington would be sealed. Should Fort Fisher and the point
of land on whicb it is built fall into the hands of our troops immediately on land-
ing, it will be worth the attempt to capture Wilmington by a forced march and
surprise.
If time is consumed in gaining the first object of the expedition, the second
will become a matter of after consideration.
Tbe details for the execution are intrusted to you and the officers immediately
in command of the troops.
Should the troops under General Weitzel fail to effect a landing at or near
Fort Fisher, they will be returned to the army operating against Riclimond
without delay.
U. S. Grant, Lieutenant General.
Major General Butler,
Commanding Army of the James.
Gen. Weitzel, having advised and concurred in the impropriety of
an assatdt with their present force, claims to have been unaware of
the purport or existence of the above order until it was published
in Gen. Butler's report. Had it reached him, or had he been placed
in command of the expedition — ^he says, in his testimony before the
Joint Committee on the Conduct of the War — " If I had fiad the in-
structions that Gen. Grant gave to Gen. Butler, I should have done
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344 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. [January,
one thing that Gen. Butler did not do; I would have intrenched and
remained there.''
Gen. Butler was relieved of his command on January 7, 1865;
no doubt in consequence of this failure. Maj. Gen. E. O. C. Ord
was then placed in command of the department, and Maj. Gen.
John Gibbon, commanding 2d division, 2d Corps, was assigned to
the command of the 24th Corps (Ord's), which he retained until the
close of the war.
Upon being relieved, Gen. Butler issued the following farewell to
the troops:
Heaix-Quabtebs, Department of Virginia and North Carouna,
Army op the James, January 8, 1865.
Soldiers or the Army op the James: Your commander, relieved by order
of the President, takes leave of you. Your conduct in the field has extorted
praises from the unwilling. You have endured the privations of the camp and
the march without a murmur. You have never failed to attack when ordered.
You have stormed and carried works deemed impregnable by the enemy. You
have shown the positions to be so, by holding them against his fiercest assaults
in the attempts to retake th^m. Those skilled in war have marvelled at the ob-
stacles overcome by your valor. Your line of works has excited the wonder of
officers of other nations, who have come to learn defensive warfare from the
monuments of your skilled labor. Your deeds have rendered your na^mes illus-
trious. In after times your general's proudest memory will be to say with you,
"I, too, was of the Army of the James." To have such companionship is
pleasure. To participate in such acts is honor. To have commanded such an
army is glory. No one could yield it vnthout regret. Knowing your willing
obedience to orders, witnessing your ready devotion of your blood in your coun-
try's cause, I have been chary of the precious charge confided to me. I have
refused to order the useless sacrifice of the lives of such soldiers, and I am re-
lieved from your command. The wasted blood of my men does not stain my gar-
ments. For my actions I am responsible to God and my country.
To THE Colored Troops op the Army op the James: In this army you
have been treated not as laborers but as soldiers. You have shown yourselves
worthy of the uniform you wear. The best officers of the Union seek to com-
mand you. Your bravery has won the admiration even of those who would be
your masters. Your patriotism, fidelity and courage have illustrated the best
qualities of manhood. With the bayonet you have unlocked the iron-barred
gates of prejudice, opening new fields of freedom, liberty and equality of right
to yourselves and your race forever.
Comrades of the Army of the James, I bid you farewell I farewell I
Benj. F. Bittler, Major Oeneral.
Admiral Porter's fleet remained off Fort Fisher, N. C. Gen.
Grant determined upon a second expedition to that point and se-
lected Brig, and Brevet Maj. Gen. A. H. Terry, commander of the
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1865.] grant's instructions TO GENERAL TERRY. 345
let division, 24th Corps, to command the land force. Gen. Grant's
instructions to Gen. Terry were as follows :
City Point, Va., Jaouary 3, 1866.
General: The expedition entrusted to jour command has been fitted out to
renew the attempt to capture Port Fisher. N. C, and Wilmington ultimately, if
the fort falls. Tou will then proceed with as little delay as possible to the naval
fleet lying off Cape Fear River, and report the arrival of yourself and command
to Admiral D. D. Porter, commanding North Atlantic blockading squadron.
It is exceedingly desirable that the most complete understanding should exist
between yourself and the naval commander. I auggest, therefore, that you
consult with Admiral Porter freely, and get from him the part to be performed
by each branch of the public service, so that there may be unity of action. It
wonld be well to have the whole programme laid down in writing. I have
served with Admiral Porter, and know that you can rely on his judgment and
his nerve to undertake what he proposes. I would, therefore, defer to him as
much as is consistent with your own responsibilities. The first object to be at-
tained is get a firm position on the spit of land on which Fort Fisher is built,
from which you can operate against that fort. You want to look to the prac-
ticability of receiving your supplies and to defending yourself against superior
forces sent against you by any of the avenues left open to the enemy. If such a
position can be obtained, the siege of Fort Fisher will not be abandoned until its
reduction is accomplished or another plan of campaign is ordered from these
bead-quarters.
My own views are that, if you effect a lauding, the navy ought to run a portion
of their fleet into Cape Fear River, while the balance of it operates on the out-
side. Land forces cannot invest Fort Fisher, or cut it off from supplies or rein-
forcements, while the river is in possession of the enemy.
A siege train will be loaded on vessels and sent to Fortress Monroe, in readi-
ness to be sent to you if required. All other supplies can be drawn from
Beaufort as you need them.
Keep the fleet of vessels with you until your position is assured. When you
find they can be spared, order them back, or such of them as you can spare, to
Fortress Monroe, to report for orders.
In case of failure to effect a landing, bring your command back to Beaufort,
and report to these head-quarters for further instructions. You will not debark
at Beaufort until so directed.
(Jeneral Sheridan has been ordered to send a division of troops to Baltimore ,
and place them on sea-going vessels. These troops will be brought to Fprtress
Monroe and kept there on the vessels until you are heard from. Should you
require them they will be sent to you.
U. S. Qbant, Lieutenant General.
Brevet Maj. Gen. A. H. Tekrt.
On January 2, 1865, the same troops, with the addition of Ab-
bott's brigade of the Ist division, 24th Corps, numbering about one
thousand five hundred men, and a small siege train, embarked on
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346
HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
[January,
transports in the James River and proceeded to Hampton Roads.
Arrangements for the starting of the second expedition were made
by Lieut. Col. William L. James, chief quarter-master Department
of Virginia and North Carolina, who was subsequently promoted
PLAN OF LAND AND NATAL 0PARATI0N8 AT FOBT FI8HBB.
0
to brevet brigadier general, for the secrecy and celerity with which
he collected and equipped the transports, by which means the expe-
dition was sent to sea, on January 6, without its destination be-
coming known; it arrived at the place of rendezvous, off Beaufort,
N. C, on January 8, being delayed by a severe storm.
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1865.] terry's report OF THE CAPTURE OF FORT FISHER. 347
Owing to unpropitious weather, the fleet remained oflf Beaufort
until the morning of the 12th, when it got under way and reached
Federal Point, N. C, the same evening and disembarked about four
miles north of Fort Fisher, on the 13th.
The account of the movements against Fort Fisher is best given
in the words of Gen. Terry's report to Gen. Rawlins, chief of staff
to Gen. Grant, from which the following extracts are made :
* * * At 4 A. M., on tbe 13tb, the inshore division of naval
vessels stood in close to tbe beach to cover tbe landing; the transports followed
and took position in line parallel to tbe naval vessels and about two hundred
yards in rear of them. The iron clads moved to within range of the fort and
opened fire upon it. * * * At 3 P. M., nearly eight thousand men,
with three days* rations in haversacks and forty rounds of ammunition in cartridge-
boxes; six days' supply of hard bread in bulk, three hundred thousand additional
rounds of small arm ammunition and a sufficient number of intrenching tools
had been safely landed. * * *
As soon as the troops had commenced landing, pickets were thrown out;
they immediately encountered outposts of the enemy and shots were exchanged,
but no serious engagement occurred. A few prisoners were taken, from whom I
learned that Hoke's rebel division, which it was supposed had been sent further
south, was still here and that it was his outposts which we were meeting.
* * * Shortly before 5 P. M., leaving Abbott's brigade to cover our
stores, the troops were put in motion for a position libout three milet* from the
fort, where the maps showed a large pond occupying nearly one third of the
width of the peninsula. On arriving at it, the pond was found to be a sand-flat,
sometimes covered with water, giving no assistance to the defence of a line es-
tablished behind it. Nevertheless, it was determined to get a line across at this
place, and Paine's division, followed by two of Ames' brigades, including Penny-
packer's, made their way through. The night was very dark, much of the ground
was a marsh and illy adapted to the construction of works, and the distance was
found to be too great to be properly defended by the troops which could be spared
from the direct attack upon the fort. It was not until 9 P. M. that Paine reached
the river.
The ground still nearer the fort was then reconnoitered and found to be much
better adapted to our purposes. Accordingly, the troops were withdrawn from
their last position and established on a line about two miles from the works.
They reached this final position, at 2 o'clock A. M. on the 14th. Tools were
immediately brought up and the intrenchments were commenced. At 8 o^clock
A. M., a good breastwork, reaching from the river to the sea and partially
covered by abattis^ had been constructed, and was in a defensible condition. It
was much Improved afterward, but from this time our foothold on the peninsula
was secured.
Early on the morning of the 14th, the landing of the artillery was commenced,
and by sunset all the light guns were gotten on shore. During the following
night they were placed on the line — most of them near the river, where tbe enemy,
in case he should attack us, would be least exposed to tbe fire of the gunboats
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348 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. [January
Curtis* brigade of Ames' division was moved down toward Fort Fisher,
during the morning, and at noon his skirmishers, after capturing on their way a
small steamer, which had come down the river with shell and forage, for the
garrison of the fort, reached a small unfinished outwork in front of the west end
of the land front of the work. Brig. Gen. Curtis, Lieut. Col. (now brevet briga-
dier general) Comstock, the chief engineer of the expedition, and myself, under
the protection of the fire of the fleet, made a careful reconnoissance of the work,
getting within six hundred yards of it. * * * As the result of this
reconnoissance, and in view of the extreme difficulty which might be expected
in landing supplies, and the material for a siege on the open and often tem-
pestuous beach, it was decided to attempt an assault the next day, provided that,
in the meantime, the fire of the navy should so far destroy the palisades as to
make one practicable. * * *
The fire of the navy continued during the night At 8 o'clock A. M., on the
15th, all of the vessels, except a division left to aid in the defence of our northero
line, moved into position, and a fire, magnificent alike for its power and accuracy,
was opened.
Ames' division had been selected for the assault. Paine was placed in com-
mand of the defensive line, having with him Abbotts' brigade in addition to his
own division. Ames' 1st brigade (Curtis') was already at the outwork above
mentioned and in trenches close around it. His other two brigades. Penny-
packer's and Bell's, were moved, at noon, to within supporting distance of him.
At 2 o'clock, preparations for the assault were commenced. Sixty sharp-shooters
from the 13th Ind. Vol8.f armed with Spencer repeating carbines, and forty
others, volunteers from Curtis' brigade, the whole under command of Lieut. CoL
Lent, of the 1 3th Ind., were thrown forward, at a run, to within one hundred and
seventy-five yards of the work. They were provided with shovels, and soon
dug pits for shelter and commenced firing upon the parapet As soon as this
movement commenced, the parapet of the fort was manned, and the enemy's fire,
both of musketry and artillery, opened. When the sharp-shooters were in po-
sition, Curtis' brigade was moved forward, by regiment, at the double quick into
line, about four hundred and seventy-five yards from the work. The men then
lay down. This was accomplished under a sharp fire of musketry and artillery,
from which,, however, they soon sheltered themselves, by digging shallow
trenches.
When Curtis moved from the outwork, Pennypacker was brought up to it, and
Bell was brought into line two hundred yards in his rear. Finding that a good
cover for Curtis' men could be found on the reverse slope of a crest, sixty yards
in rear of the sharp-shooters, they were again moved forward, one regiment at a
time, and again covered themselves in trenches. Pennypacker followed Curtis
and occupied the ground vacated by him, and Bell was brought up to the out-
work.
It had been proposed to blow up and cut down the palisades. Bags of powder
with fuses attached had been prepared, and a party of volunteer axemen o^
ganized ; but the fire of the navy had been so efiTective that it was thought un-
necessary to use the powder. The axemen, however, were sent in with the
leading brigade and did good service by making openings in portions of the
palisading, which the fire had not been able to reach.
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1865.] terry's report OP THE CAPTURE OF FORT FISHER. 349
At 3.25 P. M., all the preparations were completed ; the order to move forward
was given to Gen. Ames, and a concerted signal was made to Admiral Porter to
change the direction of his fire. Curtis' brigade at once sprang from their
trenches, and dashed forward in line. Its left was exposed to a severe enfilading
fire, and it obliqued to the right, so as to envelope the left of the land front; the
ground over which it moved was marshy and difficult, but it soon reached the
palisades, passed through them and efi'ected a lodgment on the parapet. * *
When Curtis moved forward, Ames directed Pennypacker to move up to the
rear of the sharp-shooters, and brought Bell up to Pennypacker's late position,
and, as soon as Curtis got a foothold on the parapet, sent Pennypacker in to his
support. He advanced, overlapping Curtis' right, and drove the enemy from the
heavy palisading, which extended from the west end of the land face to the
river, capturing a considerable number of prisoners [about four hundredj ; then
pushing forward to the left, the two brigades together drove the enemy from
about one quarter of the land face. Ames then brought up Bell's brigade and
moved it between the work and the river.
On this side there was no regular parapet, but there was an abundance of
cover afforded to the enemy by cavities from which sand had been taken for the
parapets, the ruins of barracks and storehouses, the large magazines and by tra*
verses, behind which they stubbornly resisted our advance.
Band4(hhand fighting of the most desperate character ensued, the huge
traverses of the land face, being used successively by the enemy, as breast*
works, over the tops of which the contending parties fired into each other's
faces. Nine of these were carried, one after another, by our men. * * *
Until 6 o'clock, the fire of the navy continued upon that portion of .the work
Dot occupied by us; after that time, it was directed upon the beach, to prevent
the coming up of reinforcements. * * *
The fighting for the traverses continued until nearly 9 o'clock, two more of
them being carried; then a portion of Abbott's brigade (which bad been brought
to the support of the assault), drove the enemy from their last remaining strong-
bold, and the occupation of the work was completed. The same brigade, with
Gen. Blackburn's regiment (27th XJ. S. Colored Troops), were immediately
poshed down the point to Battery Buchanan, whither many of the garrison had
fled. On reaching the battery, all of the enemy who had not been previously
eaptured were made prisoners; among them were Maj. Oen. Whiting and Col.
Lamb, the commandant of the fort. * * *
In all the works were found one hundred and sixty-nine pieces of artillery,
nearly all heavy, over two thousand stan<l of small arms, considerable quantities
of commissary stores, and full supplies of ammunition. Our prisoners numbered
one hundred and twelve commissioned officers and one thousand nine hundred
and seventy-one enlisted men. I have no words to do justice to the behavior of
both officers and men on this occasion; all that men could do they did; better
soldiers never fought. * * * Brig. Gen. Curtis and Cols. Pennypacker,
Bell and Abbott, the brigade commanders, led them with the utmost gallantry.
Curtis was wounded after fighting in the front rank, rifle in hand; Penny,
packer, while carrying the standard of one of his regiments, the 97th P. Y., tho
first man in a charge over a traverse. Bell was mortally wounded near the
palisades. I shall have the honor to submit a supplemental report in reference to
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350 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. [January,
those subordiDate officers and enlisted men who distlDguished themselves on this
occasion. I forward, herewith, Oen.*Ames' report.
[Signed] Alfred H. Terry, Miy. Gen.
To Brig Gen. J. A. Rawlins, Chief of Staff, City Point, Va.
From Gen. Ames' report is extracted as follows :
Head-Quarters, 2d Division, 24th A. C, Fort Fisher, N. C,
January 16, 1865.
To Capt. a. Terry, Ass't Adjt. Gen.
I have the honor to submit the following report of the late movements and
operations of this division. * * *
At 3 P. M., on the 15th, we stormed Fort Fisher. Brevet Brig. Gen. N. M.
Curtis' brigade (the first) made a lodgment on the northwest angle of the fort
I immediately ordered np Col. G. Pennypacker's brigade (the second). The
enemy were at once driven from the palisading extending from the fort to the
river and about one-third of the work — ^its northwest angle — occupied by us. I
then ordered up Col. L. Bell's brigade (the third), and moved it forward against
and in rear of the sea face of the work, the ground being much obstructed by
the ruins of the barracks, lumber and other rubbish ; and the enemy being pro-
tected by traverses, and, taking advantage of the cover afforded by magazines,
etc., checked our advance. Fighting of a most obstinate character continued
until after dark, during which time we made considerable advancement on the
left and captured about four hundred prisoners.
About 8 P. M., Col. Abbott, with his brigade, completed the occupation of the
face of the works extending from the ocean to the river. A general advance was
now made and the fort occupied without opposition.
The conduct of the officers and men of this division was most gallant. Aided
by the fire of the navy, and an attacking column of sailors and marines along
the sea-beach, we were able to pass over the open ground in front of the fort,
through the gaps of the palisading in the ditch made by the naval fire, and finally
to carry the work.
The name of every officer and man engaged in this desperate conflict should be
mentioned, but I shall at present only be able to give you a few of the most con-
spicuous. It is to be hoped they all may be properly rewarded. » * *
Gol. O. Pennypacker^ commanding 2d brigade, was seriously wounded while
planting the colors of his leading regiment (the 97th P. V.) on the third traverse
of the work. This officer was surpassed by none; his absooce during the remain-
der of the day was most deeply felt and seriously regretted. * * ♦
I here submit the names of the regimental commanders, and to them, in con-
nection with the brigade commanders, is the credit due for the heroic conduct of
their men. * * * Regimental commanders. * * * 2d
brigade. * * * Ninety-Seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, Ist Lieut.
John Wainwright, commanding.
Copies of reports of the brigade commanders will be forwarded. In them will
be found lists of officers and men who particularly distinguished themselves. It
is recommended that medals be bestowed upon all enlisted men mentioned.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
[Signed] A. Ames, Brigadier General of Volunteers
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1865.]
PENNSYLVANIA TROOPS IN ACTION AT FORT FISHER.
351
From a published official account of the casualties at Fort Fisher
this table is taken:
BBIGADBS.
KILLED.
WOUMDED.
MISSING.
TOTAL.
Officers.
Men.
Officers.
Men.
Men.
0. & Men.
Gen. Curtis',
Col Pennypacker^s,
Col. Bell's,
Col. Abbott's,
2
7
2
35
24
15
8
18
15
4
2
160
183
105
18
9
72
11
224
301
126
34
Aggregate,
11
11
89
466
92
685
The foregoing reports show that the assault was one of the most
briUiant, successful and important occurrences of the war. It may
appear strange, however, that in most of the published accounts of
this, as well as other important operations of the war, the presence
and participation of Pennsylvania, troops has been so entirely
ignored. To those familiar with the forces mentioned in these offi-
cial papers, it is evident that Pennsylvania troops and Pennsylvania
valor contributed largely to the brilliant success at Fort Fisher.
The 2d brigade— composed of the 76th, 97th and 203d P. V., with
the 47th and 48th N. Y., and commanded by a gallant son of that
grand old commonwealth, nurtured in the lap of Valley Forge,
Col. Galusha Pennypacker — ^was engaged, during the interval after
landing and preceding the assault, in opening and establishing a
defensive line, across the peninsula, to guard the rear of Gen.
Terry's forces ; and, at the time of moving upon the enemy's works,
being second in the advance, followed rapidly and closely after the
leading brigade in every movement and at the moment of reaching
the fort its lines merged with and extended beyond the flank of the
former. It entered with the first brigade into the terrific contest
that ensued and continued v*dth unabated fury until the final triumph
and occupation of the enemy's works. The colors of three Penn-
sylvania regiments were firmly planted upon the parapets amid a
shower of leaden hail that swept down all the brigade and regi-
mental commanders and many officers and men of those well-tried
veteran regiments. From these reports, too, it is seen that Penny-
packer's brigade suffered most, having the largest number of
casualties and nearly double the number of officers killed of the
remaining force engaged.
It is not the purpose to claim for Pennsylvania soldiers or Penn-
sylvania regiments a monopoly of the valor displayed, but simply
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352 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. [January.
to protest that the record of that brilliant affair should not always
be presented as the result of the bravery and valor of the troops
accredited to the States of New England and New York, with
scarcely a recognition of the existence of the gallant regiments
named from Pennsylvania, or of their brigade commander, in any
appreciative estimate of the distinguished share both they and he
bore in that brilliant action.
The number ot Pennsylvania soldiers in the field and their real
achievements bear a singular disproportion to the place assigned to
them or their State, in certain journalistic reports of the most pro-
minent events of the war. It seems that, in monopolizing the Ute-
rature of the war, the localities referred to have deemed it justifiable
to appropriate the lion's share of the valor and the fruits of victory
as well.
Admiral Porter, in his report to the Secretary of the Navy, says:
* * * It will not be amiss for me to remark here that I never saw
anything like the fearless gallantry and endurance displayed by our troops. They
fought like lions and knew no such word as fail. Thf^y finally fought and chased
the rebels from traverse to traverse until they reached Battery Lamb, at the
MOUND BATTERY, KBAR FORT FISHER.
mound, a face of work extending about fourteen hundred yards in length. At
this point the rebels broke and fled to the end of Federal Point ; our troops fol-
lowed them up and they surrendered at discretion. * » *
* * * I have visited Fort Fisher and its adjoining works and
found their strength greatly beyond what I had conceived. An engineer might
be excusable in saying they could not be captured, except by regular siege. I
wonder even now how it was done. * ♦ ♦ i\iq works are tre-
mendous. I was in the Malakoff Tower, a few days after its surrender to the
French and British. The combined armies of those two nations were many
months capturing that stronghold, and it will not compare, either in size or
strength, to Fort Fisher, and yet the latter was captured by a handful of men,
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1865.] THANKS OF THE NATION TENDERED BY SECRETARY STANTON. 353
aoder the fire of the guns of the fleet, and in seven hoars after the attack com-
meoced in earnest. * ♦ *
The world never saw such fighting as our soldiers did. * * *
The capture of Fort Fisher was an event of the war that thrilled
the country as did the victories at Vicksburg and Gettysburg, in-
spiring the heart of the nation with renewed courage and hope.
The Secretary of War, who had come down to observe the issue
pending, was on the steam transport S. R. Spaulding, in the offing,
an eye witness to the desperate conflict and of the unprecedented
perseverance and daring that, at length, triumphed over the most
obstinate and "persistent defence of a work so formidable as has been
described. He personally congratulated Admiral Porter and Gen.
Terry on the day following and, in the name of the President of the
United States, tendered the thanks of the nation to those officers,
and the gallant officers and men of their respective commands, for
the valor and skill that had been crowned with such signal success.
On the 17th, the Secretary of the Navy ordered a national salute
to be fired, at each of the government navy yards, in honor of the
great victory. Gen. Grant also ordered a salute of one hundred
guns by each of the armies along the entire line operating against
Richmond and Petersburg, Va.
In a letter to the President, giving an account of the assault.
Secretary Stanton says :
* * * The assault on the other and most difficult side of the fort
was made by a column of three thousand troops of the old lOtb Corps, led by
Geo. Curtis, under the immediate superintendence of Gen. Terry. * * *
The conflict lasted for seven hours; the works were so constructed that every
traverse afforded the enemy a new defensive position from which they had to be
driven. :»t * *
Gen. Curtis was severely wounded ; Col. Pennypaeker was badly wounded ;
Col. Bell died of his wounds, on Monday morning, the day after the action; Col.
J. W. Moore and Lieut. Col. Lyman were killed; Lieut. Col. Coan was badly
wounded. * * *
You will be pleased to know that perfect harmony and concert of action existed
between the land and naval forces and their respective commanders. Admiral
Porter and Gen. Terry vied in their commendation each of the other. Each
seemed more anxious to do justice to the other than to claim anything for him-
self, and they united in the highest commendation of the naval and military
officers and the forces engaged. To this harmony of feeling and the confident
spirit inspired may, perhaps, be attributed, in some degree, the success of our
attack, with nearly equal numbers, agaiost a resolute enemy in a work unsur-
passed, if ever equalled, in strength, and which Gen. Beauregard, a few days
before, pronounced impregnable. * * *
[Signed] Edwin M. Stanton.
23
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354 HISTORt OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. [January,
A letter from an officer of the Regiment thus describes the part
it bore in this memorable assault:
* * * We left the front, north of the James River, on December 7,
and accompanied the Butler expedition to this place and returned with it to our
old camping ground at Chapin's Farm. « ^e « After remaining in
camp for three days, again embarked with Terry's expedition and were among
the first to land on Federal Point, on January 18, where we lay two days, under
the towering ramparts and frowning guns of Fort Fisher At 1 P. M., on Sunday,
the 15th, the troops were put in motion for the assault, the 97th P. V. being in
the second line, at five hundred yards from the fort ; marched by the flank coolly
and orderly, and filed by the right into line of battle across the open plain, in
front of the fort, which was swept by grape and canister from every gun not
disabled by the fire of the navy. Here we lay down, and, while awaiting orders
to charge, threw up such protection as we could by digging with our hands into
the sand, for we had left tin cups and plates in the rear^ The gallant Regiment,
with which I feel proud to claim a connection, went into action in neat fighting
trim and bore itself throughout the assault in a manner worthy of the highest
encomiums. * * * ^y^ jj^d not long to lie under the withering
shower of iron, for the 1st brigade suddenly sprang up and, with a yell, advanced
upon the fort. This was the signal for the second line, which moved forward
with a bound and soon overtook the 1st brigade and, with them, clambered up
the steep walls of the fort, led by our gallant Col. Pennypacker, who commanded
the brigade and to whose coolness, bravery and skill it is indebted for its
eflBciency.
We entered the west end of the fort and captured a number of prisoners at
once, but the greater number of ^he enemy seemed disinclined to surrender.
Then ensued a hand-to-hand conflict, which, for desperation and determination,
INTEBIOR OP PORT FISHER.
has not been surpassed since this war began. A series of traverses, each a fort
itself, were charged and recharged, and for seven long hours the two armies
fought furiously inside the fort. And not until 10 P. M. were the rebels finally
subdued and forced to surrender, which was greeted with deafening cheers by the
tired and weary soldiers and a display of hundreds of rockets by the naval fleet.
Among the guns captured was a splendid one-hundred-and-fifty-
pounder Armstrong, presented to the rebels by English friends. It
had the hroad arrow on it, and Sir William Armstrong's name
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^^•^•3 THE CASUALTIES AT FORT FISHER. 355
marked on the trunnion. The solid mahogany carriage was partially
destroyed by fire.
Gen. Terry^s loss was one hundred and ten killed and five hun-
dred and thirty-six wounded. Brig. Gen. Curtis, commanding 1st
brigade, Ames' division, was severely wounded in the head; Col.
Pennypacker, commanding 2d brigade, was dangerously wounded
in the right hip, and Col. Bell, commanding 3d brigade, was mor-
tally wounded and died next day.
The following additional officers of the division were killed or
mortally wounded: Col. John F. Smith, 112th N. Y.; Capt. John
¥. Thomas, 117 N. Y.; Capt. James M. ElUott, 142d N. Y.; Capt.
James W. Dunn, 48th N. Y.; 1st Lieut. Stephen S. Olney, 116th
N. Y.; Capt. Thomas L. McGlathery, 76th P. V. Col. John W.
Moore, Lieut. Col. Jonas W. Lyman, Capt. Jacob T. Smallwood and
Ist Lieut. Matthias Hart, all of the 203d P. V., were killed.
A large number of other officers of the division were wounded,
many of them quite severely.
In the assault upon Fort Fisher, the officers and men of the 97th
P. V. gallantly sustained its well-earned reputation for reliability
and valor in charging upon the enemy's most formidable works.
Of eight officers and one hundred and seventy-one men who partici-
pated in the action, one officer and five men were killed. The re-
maining seven officers and thirty-two men were wounded, as follows :
field and staff, one officer wounded; Company A, two men
wounded; Company B, three men wounded; Company C, two men
killed, one officer and five men wounded ; Company D, one officer
killed, one officer and four men wounded; Company E, three men
wounded; Company F, one man killed, one officer and three men
wounded; Company G, one man killed, one officer and one man
wounded, officer mortally; Company H, two officers and three men
wounded, one of the latter mortally; Company I, one man killed,
one officer and six men wounded; Company K, two men wounded.
Total: killed, one officer and five men ; wounded, seven officers and
thirty-two men. Aggregate, forty-five officers and men.
Col. Pennypacker fell just after he had placed the colors of his
leading regiment, the 97th P. V., on the parapet. It was the first
regimental flag on the enemy's works. The 117th N. Y., of the
Ist brigade, had planted a small guidon on the slope of the work so
as to extend above the parapet; but Col. Pennypacker planted the
colors of his Regiment squarely on the parapet, amid a shower of
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356 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. [January.
bullets, and was immediately followed by Col. John W. Moore, of
the 203d P. V., with the colors of his regiment. The flag of the
97th P. V. was pierced by one hundred and seven bullets and a
canister shot, and its staff cut in two in the action. The color
bearer, Corp. William McCarty, Company D, was also severely
wounded in the knee. Col. Pennypacker was immediately carried
to the rear by his men. He was subtequently removed to Chesa^
peake Hospital.
John Wain Wright, 1st lieutenant Company F, commanding Regi-
ment, received a slight grape-shot wound in the right shoulder,
before reaching the fort, but remained on duty. Capt. Henry
Odiome, Company D, a brave and efficient officer, just promoted,
was killed while leading his company in the assault. His remains
were subsequently sent home by his brother, 1st Sergt. David W.
Odiome, same company. 1st Lieut. Cheyney T. Haines, Company
G, was mortally wounded in the thigh and died in hospital, at New
York, two weeks later. This was the third time he had been
wounded in action. Ist Lieut. Leonard R. Thomas, Company C,
commanding company, was slightly wounded in the left leg, but re-
mained on duty and was soon after detailed as acting adjutant, in
place of Lie.ut. Smedley. 2d Lieut. Isaac B. Taylor, Company D,
was wounded in the shoulder and sent to the hospital at Fortress
Monroe. 1st Lieut. Theodore M. Smedley, Company H, acting ad-
jutant, was also severely wounded in the right arm and side and
sent to hospital at same place, and 1st Lieut. George W. Duffee,
Company I, was slightly wounded in right leg. Many narrowly
escaped. The clothes of several of the men were pierced by bullets
without causing other injury than slight scratches and burns.
The War Department soon after conferred brevet promotion for
gallant and meritorious service, at Fort Fisher, upon the following
officers of the 97th P. V., to date from March 13, 1865, viz.: Col. G.
Pennypacker, as brevet brigadier general and brevet major general,
U. S. Vols., to rank from January 15, 1865; 1st Lieut. John Wain-
wright. Company F, as captain and major; 1st Lieut. Leonard R.
Thomas, Company C; 1st Lieut. Cheyney T. Haines (died of his
wounds). Company G, and 1st. Lieut. Theodore M. Smedley, Com-
pany H, all as captains.
After the surrender of Fort Fisher, the 97th P. V. occupied a
position near the chief magazine, where it remained until the mom-
ing of the I6th, when it was removed a short distance and another
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1866.] BREVET PROMOTIONS BY THE WAR DEPARTMENT. 357
r^ment took its place. Within an hour the magazine exploded
with disastrous effect. About one hundred and eighty soldiers and
sailors were killed or severely wounded. The Regiment narrowly
escaped the calamity, which was supposed to be acgidental.
During the 16th and 17th of January, the enemy abandoned and
blew up Fort Caswell, which stood upon a point of land across
and commanded the mouth of Cape Fear River. They also aban-
doned the extensive works at Smithville and Reves Point. These
places were immediately occupied by the Union troops, thus obtain-
ing entire control of the entrance to Cape Fear River. The enemy
had fallen back to Fort Anderson and Wilmington, as the Union
forces accumulated in their front. Those points were held with
great determination by the rebel commander, Gen. Bragg. Gen.
Terry now held a strongly-intrenched line across the peninsula,
bounded by the ocean and Cape Fear River ; also, occupied Smith-
ville and Fort Caswell, with his flanks covered by the fleet under
Rear Admiral Porter.
Fort Anderson, on the west bank of the river, was a strong earth-
work, with a collateral line, strongly fortified, running to a large
swamp, about three quarters of a mile distant. The enemy main-
tained, also, a line on the peninsula, north of and confronting Terry's
position, extending from Cape Fear River to Masonboro' or Myrtle
Sound. Their position was impregnable to a direct attack, and
could only be turned by crossing Myrtle Sound above their left
wing or passing around the swamp which covered their right.
The movement upon Wilmington, after the fall of Fort Fisher,
was necessarily delayed until Gen. Terry's forces could be aug-
mented by additional troops.
The 97th P. V. had been engaged, with the other troops, in re-
storing order to the environs of that place ; subsequently, in move-
ments to reconnoitre the position and strength of the enemy and
in throwing up earthworks for the protection of the troops as they
advanced upon the lines of the enemy.
George W. Duffee, 1st lieutenant Company I, was now the only
company officer present for duty. The following had received com-
missions and were awaiting muster as 1st lieutenants: Dallas Crow,
Company B; David W. Odiome, Company D; Phares P. Brown,
Company H, and William S. Underwood, Company K; George W.
Middleton, Company I, as 2d lieutenant.
The remainder of the division, at Chapin's Farm, Va., com-
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358 HISTORY OF THE NINETY- SEVENTH REGIMENT. [February.
manded by Col. G. Fred. Granger, of the 9th Maine, left Virginia
about February 9, and reached Federal Point about the lOth.
Lieut. Martin, Company A, rejoined the Regiment with his
detachment at Fort Fisher, about the llth, having in the mean-
time been mustered as captain. He thereupon assumed command
of the Regiment as ranking officer. Lieut. Wainwright was now
assigned to duty as acting adjutant, relieving Lieut. Thomas, Com-
pany C. He continued to perform the duties of adjutant until mus-
tered as lieutenant colonel in April, when he resumed command of
the Regiment.
Maj. Gen. John M. Schofield, commanding the 23d Corps, Army
of the Tennessee, having been detached with his corps from Maj.
Gen. George H. Thomas' command, after the battle of Nashville,
Tenn., and ordered to report at Annapolis, Md., was then ordered
to the command of the new department of Virginia and North Caro-
lina. He landed with his corps at Federal Point on February 9.
The land force was thus increased to about twenty-one thousand
men. Gen. Terry had so admirably arranged his lines as to secure
every available position from which to advance upon Hoke in his
front, and was now ready to move forward. Gen. Schofield ordered
a reconnoissance in force on the morning of February 11. The 23d
Corps, having experienced the fatigue of a long and stormy sea
voyage, was held in reserve while Gen. Terry's troops led the ad-
vance. The 97th P. V. marched with Terry's command toward the
enemy's position. Abbott's brigade and Col. John W. Ames' (6th
U. S. Colored Troops) brigade on the right, while Oen, Ames^
old division held the centre, and joined the brigade of Col. Elias
Wright (10th U. S. Colored Troops), of Paine's division, on the left,
which reached to the river; Battery E, 3d U. S. Art'y, 1st Lieut.
John R. Myrick, also supporting the left. Skirmishing commenced
soon after leaving our lines. The gunboats opened fire upon the
enemy's position with marked effect; part of the fleet moved cau-
tiously up the river to within half a mile of Fort Anderson. Paine's
force became actively engaged about 9 A. M., yet continued to ad-
vance steadily upon the enemy's intrenched lines. Several prisoners
were captured as the troops advanced. The enemy's first and second
lines were carried by 11 A. M., and their force driven behind their
main works. The fire of the naval fleet now enabled Paine's force
to intrench a new line within five hundred yards of the enemy's
position.
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1865.1 ADVANCE UPON FORT ANDERSON AND WILMINGTON. 359
Meanwhile, Ames' division, supported by the 3d division of the
23d Corps, commanded by Maj. Gen. Jacob D. Cox, was advancing
against the enemy's left, and at the same time attempting to throw
a heavy force across Myrtle Sound in rear of Hoke's position, by
means of navy boats and pontoons taken across the narrow strip of
land by the troops moving along the ocean beach. A severe storm,
however, prevented the boats from reaching the position.
The enemy skirmished sharply along the line of Myrtle Sound,
but a sudden dash of the 3d N. H., led by Maj. William H. Trickey,
through an almost impenetrable thicket and swamp, carried their
first line, completely flanking the force occupying it, and captured
about sixty men.
The object of the reconnoissance had been accomplished by 4 P.
M., a position had been secured nearly two miles in advance of that
previously held and within seventeen miles of Wilmington, having
sustained a very small loss in killed and about fifty wounded.
On February 13, the 97th P. V. was temporarily transferred from
the 2d to the 1st brigade (Gen. Curtis'), now commanded by Col.
Rufus Daggett, of the 117th N. Y. With the brigade it had re-
turned to its former camp, near Fort Fisher. For a few days, the
weather was very stormy with violent winds, rendering active mili-
tary movements impracticable.
It was intended to renew the attempt to cross Myrtle Sound, on
the night of the 14th, by carrying the boats along the beach, but
the high winds had so raised the tide as to render it impracticable
to cross at a time to enable the sound to be reached before daylight,
when the movement would be observed and frustrated. Had not
this circumstance prevented, Hoke would have found a heavy force
between him and Wilmington.
The subsequent movements against Wilmington, as given in Gen.
Schofield's report, furnish the best account that can be obtained of
the services in which the 97th P. V. participated at that time.
The report says:
* * * On the 15th, Cox's division of the 23d Corps, and Ames' of
the 10th Corps, crossed over to Smith ville, where they were joined by Moore's
brigade of Coach's division, 23d Corps, which had just landed. This force ad-
vanced along the main road, to Wilmington, skirmishing with the enemy's pickets
and advanced lines, until the main force of'the enemy was encountered, at Fort
Anderson and its adjacent works. Here two brigades of Cox's division were
intrenched to occupy the enemy, while Cox's other two brigades and Ames^ di-
vi9um moved around the swamp, which covered the enemy's right, in order to
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360 HISTORY OF THE NINETT-SEVENTH REGIMENT. [Febroary,
strike the WilmiDgton Road in the rear and north of the fort. The distauce to
be marched was about fifteen miles. The enemy, finding himself in danger of
being flanked— his cavalry having discovered this movement — hastily abandoned
his works, on both sides of the river, during the night of February 19, and fell
back behind Town Creek, on the west, and beyond a line of swamp in a corre-
sponding position on the east. Fort Anderson and its adjacent defences, with ten
pieces of artillery and a large amount of ammunition thus fell into our hands,
and the approaches to Wilmington were still further weakened.
On the 20th, Gen. Cox's forces pursued the enemy to Town Creek, behind
which he was found intrenched, having destroyed the only bridge. Gen. Cox's
forces, making a detour, crossed Town Creek, below the rebel position, and
reaching their flanks and rear, attacked and routed the enemy, capturing two
pieces of artillery and three hundred and seventy-five prisoners. The next morn-
ing, he pushed on toward Wilmington without opposition.
Gen. Terry, who was on the east side of the Cape Fear River, also found the
enemy in strong force in his new position. Gen. Ames' division was brought
over to the east side, to reinforce Gen. Terry, on the night of February 19.
Gen. Terry could not make as rapid progress, but he held all of Hoke's force in
his front and prevented them from reinfor<5ing the troops which Cox was driving
before him. Cox reached Brunswick River in the afternoon, and, opening fire
upon the enemy on Eagle Island, caused them to burn the railway bridge and
cut adrift the pontoon bridge, setting it on fire at the same time. Securing a
few of the pontoons. Gen. Cox promptly crossed to Eagle Island, skirmishing
and establishing outposts on the causeway over the swamp, and within musket
range of the wharves of the city of Wilmington. The rebels opened fire upon
them with two Whitworth guns, but Cox's troops soon brought up their ar-
tillery and threw several shell into the city, silencing the rebel fire.
The enemy continued to menace Gen. Terry's position during the afternoon
and evening of the 21st. During the night, they set fire to the property of the
rebel government, consisting of a large amount of cotton, rosin, extensive cotton
sheds and presses, unfinished iron-clads, three large turpentine distilleries and
the adjacent wharves, railroad bridges and pontoon bridges, and abandoned the
city, retreating toward Goldsboro. * * *
During the night of the 2l8t, Ames' division moved upon the
enemy's position at Battery Strong and had a sharp encounter. By
the aid of Porter's fleet, the enemy were driven out, and the works,
including nine guns, captured.
Our forces entered and took possession of the city at 9 A. M. on
February 22, thus celebrating Washington's Birthday. Few citi-
zens left the city except such as the enemy forced to enter the ranks
and follow the retreating army. All able-bodied men hid them-
selves, but, as soon as the Union forces entered, thronged the streets.
The ladies were also out in force, and the negroes crowded all the
avenues. Not a symptom of animosity was displayed by man,
woman or child. The Union feeling manifested itself quite strongly
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^^•] THE OCCUPATION OF WILMINGTON. 361
in the city. American flags were brought out and suspended over
doors and from windows. As he entered the suburbs of the city,
Gen. Terry was met by a city policeman carrying a white flag, who
informed the general he was authorized by the mayor to surrender
the city to the authorities of the United States. Gen. Terry referred
the truce bearer to Maj. Gen. Schofield, who was then entering the
city. That officer rode to the city hall, where he was waited on by
the mayor and some of the city fathers. They were willing and
ready to give up all their municipal functions.
Gen. Schofield told them to continue in the exercise of their
powers for the good of the city; that it was not his intention to in-
terfere with the civil government more than could be avoided, but
that he expected the inhabitants to conduct themselves as becoming
citizens of the United States, to respect the representatives and de-
fenders of the National Government, to abide by its laws and not
give aid and comfort to its enemies. The Mayor, John Dorson, Esq.,
assured the general that to the best of his knowledge the majority
of the inhabitants were loyal and union-loving. Gen. Schofield
appointed a provost marshal, and guards were at once stationed
through the city to preserve order and prevent excesses. The in-
habitants of all ages, sex and color came from the houses into the
streets, waving their hats and handerchiefs, and with words of greet-
ing and welcome: "We have been looking for you for a long time!"
"You have got here at last." "God bless you," and many like ex.
pressions. One ancient dame greeted Gen. Terry and his staff with
expressions of glad satisfaction, saying: "When I first seed you, I
thought you was confedret officers come looking up tobacco."
The colored people seemed beside themselves with joy. All the
hotels, and nearly all the stores, were closed, and the general ap-
pearance of the city indicated that the enemy had been evacuating
for several days. 'I'hey had destroyed about one thousand bales of
cotton and fifteen thousand barrels of rosin, but a large portion re-
mained.
Fifty pieces of heavy ordnance, fifteen light pieces, and a large
amount of ammunition were captured ; about forty thousand bales
of cotton were also secured.
The Union loss, from February 11 until Wilmington was occupied
on the 22d, was not over two hundred, officers and men, in killed
and wounded, while that of the rebels was not less than one thou-
sand in killed, wounded and prisoners.
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362 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. IFebniary,
About four hundred Union prisoners, that had been brought to
Wilmington for exchange, and which the rebels could not get away
again, as Gens. Schofield and Terry were following their retreat in
close pursuit, were now liberated. These were found to be in a
most pitiable plight; a large number of them were crowded in the
hospitals sick, wounded and in a starving condition, most heart
rending to behold. These famished soldiers scarcely knew how to
give vent to their joy at the arrival of the Union forces. They
danced, and sang, and wept, and hugged their old comrades, and in
every way manifested their gratitude on being rescued from inevi-
table starvation and death to be again restored to their friends.
This meeting was of the most touching and affecting character.
Among them were a number of the 97th P. V. who had been
captured in the battles in front of Richmond and Petersburg. They
were in a horribly famished condition. The only names that can
now be obtained of these are Privates John W. Keeley and Alonzo
Schuler, both veterans of Company F, captured at Strawberry Plains,
Va., August 16, 1864, and Private John O'Brine, substitute, Com-
pany F, who had been marked upon the rolls missing in action at
Drury's Bluff, May 14, 1864. He was now found a prisoner at
Wilmington, but for some unexplained cause he was in a very good
condition, not having suffered from starvation like most of the un-
fortunates who fell into the enemy's hands.
A Wilmington correspondent of the Herald, after the evacuation
of the city, thus writes of the prisoners released :
The Union prisoners bad been confined at Carop Lamb, about a mile from the
city. Their treatment was worthy of what might be inflicted by fiends from hell.
Though the arrangements for general exchange have been completed at Rich-
mond, the starving process goes on. For three days before the evacuation those
prisoners had not received a mouthful to eat. To the credit of the citizens, many
attempts were made to relieve them ; but the food was in all cases taken from
them by order of the officer in command, and trodden into the ground before the
eyes of the prisoners aud the citizens. It was thought that four hundred were
recovered ; but many were in a dying condition. All that has appeared in the
public prints in regard to this matter utterly fails to prepare one for the awful
reality. After nerving myself for the visit, and trying to picture all the horrors
while riding slowly over the half mile to the house where they had been collected,
my brain reeled for the moment when the sickening reality burst upon me. Offi-
cers came in, and those who never quailed on the field of death, whose cheeks
had never blanched, there stood aghast, with tears in their eyes, grinding tbeir
teeth, clenching their hands and thanking God that there was a hell. Pale, hag-
gard and emaciated skeletons glared on us from glassy eyes where the light of
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1W5] RELEASE OF STARVING AND DYING UNION PRISONERS. 363
reason was just expiring. With matted hair and skin blackened with pine smoke,
scarcely covered with the filthiest shreds of cast-off rebel clothing, without
blankets, and most of them without coats and shoes, half gazed at us with an al-
most idiotic stare, while the majority could with diflBculty be roused from their
listlessness. Many had forgotten their names; some could be roused and their
memories quickened by asking them of their homes, their wives and children,
these magic words bringing them back from the grave into which they were sink-
ing 80 fast. Many were dying of starvation, with their hands clutching the bread
cor soldiers bad brought them, and as they lay there dying, an old negro woman
passed from one to another, tenderly smoothing their awful passage to the grave.
Knowing that the authors of all this misery had escaped, it was consoling to
repeat **Yengeanco is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord."
Some extracts from a letter of an officer of the Regiment will
serve to indicate that the 97th P. V. was doing its share of the
important operations succeeding the capture of Fort Fisher :
* * * The invincible army of Gen. Terry has been winning new
laurels, and the Regiment, which proudly represents the good old counties of
Chester enM Delaware, has been doing its share of duty, braving its share o^
danger and winning its share of glory. We remained stationed near Fort
Fisher until February 11, when we struck tents and marched out through our
lines. Skirmishing soon commenced and continued during a greater part of the
day. Capt. James Scott, 47th N. Y., of Gen. Pennypacker's staff, was mortally
wounded and died soon after — a brave soldier lamented by all in his brigade.
The enemy was driven within bis works with little resistance. During the night,
oar troops threw up temporary works within a few hundred yards of their posi-
tioQ, where we held them and prepared for advance in other directions.
* * * After a rest of two days, commenced a series of marches
and counter-marches, which resulted in flanking the enemy at Fort Anderson,
causing them to evacuate their almost impregnable works and beat a hasty
scamper in the direction of Wilmington. We gave them but little lime to rest,
bat were close upon their heels and kept "pegging, pegging, pegging away" at
their rear until they reached a strong line of works, about five miles from the
city, where they rallied and made a show of resistance, which lasted scarcely
twelve hours. We had made every preparation for a determined assault on the
32d inst., and were fully expecting to take Wilmington by storm; but, when all
was ready, intelligence reached our lines that the enemy were evacuating. Forth-
with an advance was ordered, and, on the anniversary of Washington's Birthday,
the stars and stripes were borne triumphantly into the city of blockade runners
amid a great display of Union sentiment and a seeming welcome by the citizens
which was really worth fighting for.
* * * The casualties of the Regiment have been slight. Lieut.
Haines, Company G, and Sergt. Bennett, Company H, died of their wounds,
received at Fort Fisher. The health of the Regiment is good, and the men
all eager to follow the retreating foe ; and hoping to be able to record more
triamphant advances and decisive victories which will lead to a speedy close of
the war. * » *
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364 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. [March,
The defences of Wilmington were found to be extensive and of
great strength, consisting of several formidable lines of earthworks,
one of which ran through a populous street in the city and appeared
to have been quite recently thrown up in great haste, and evidently
intended as " the last ditch." The river was obstructed in several
places by chained rafts and sunken vessels. Stockades and bat-
teries had been built on the shore, with the guns bearing upon the
obstructions.
Gen. Terry's troops, after entering Wilmington, pursued the
enemy across Northeast River. Gen. Schofield now made prepara-
tions for the capture of Goldsboro*, leaving Gen. Terry's command
to occupy the city of Wilmington. He had already sent, by trans-
ports, to Newbem, five thousand troops, under Brig. Gen. I. N.
Palmer, with orders to move toward Kinston at once to cover the
workmen engaged in repairing the railroad. Palmer was soon re-
lieved of the command by Gen. Cox. Couch's division and Cox's,
temporarily commanded by Brig. Gen. Reilly, were ordered to join,
by a land march, the column moving from Newbem. Owing to the
want of wagons for transportation, it was not until March 6 that
the two divisions, commanded by Gen. Couch, could be moved from
Wilmington, via Onslow and Richland, toward Kinston. Cox had
joined Palmer's force and pushed it to Wise's Forks, below South-
west Creek; and the work on the railroad was in rapid progress.
The force in front of Gen. Cox, consisting of Hoke's division and
a small body of reserves, had fallen back behind Southwest Creek.
Gen. Cox had sent two regiments, under Col. Upham, 15th Conn., to
secure the crossing on the Dover Road. The enemy, reinforced by
a portion of the old Army of the Tennessee, recrossed the creek
above the Dover Road and came down in rear of CoL Upham's
position, surprised and captured nearly his entire command — about
seven hundred men. Hoke then advanced to penetrate between
Gens. Carter's and Palmer's divisions, occupying the Dover Road
and the railroad, respectively, but was checked by Gen. Rugers'
division arriving upon the field. Gen. Cox was then directed to
put his troops in position, intrench them securely and await the
arrival of Gen. Couch.
The enemy pressed Cox's lines strongly, on the 9th, and felt for
his flanks.
On the 10th, largely reinforced, and doubtless aware of the ap-
proach of Gen. Couch's column, Hoke made a firm attack upon
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1W5.] ADVANCE TOWARD GOLDSBORO'. HOKE REPULSED. 366
Gen. Cox's left and centre, but was decisively repulsed, with heavy
loss, and retreated in confusion from the field, leaving his killed
and wounded; also a large number of arms and intrenching tools.
During the night, he fell back across the Neuse River and burned
the bridge. Cox's loss was about three hundred in killed and
wounded — that of the enemy about fifteen hundred. Gen. Couch
eflFected his junction with Gen. Cox on the following day.
It now became necessary to rebuild the bridge, or await the ar-
rival of pontoons, to cross in pursuit of the enemy. By the 14th,
this was accomplished and the crossing effected without opposition,
the enemy having abandoned Kinston and moved rapidly toward
Smithfield, to join Johnson's Army, then concentrating to oppose
Sherman's advance from Fayetteville.
Gen. Terry's command, at Wilmington, was occupied with the
usual post and garrison duty. The 97th Regiment had returned to
the 2d brigade of the division, then commanded'by Col. William B.
Coan, 48th N. Y.
On March 15, Gen. Terry received orders to join Gen. Schofield's
advance, about to form a junction with Gen. Sherman's Army, then
marching upon Goldsboro', N. C. Col. Abbott's brigade of the 1st
division, 10th Corps, was left to garrison Wilmington. Brig. Gen.
J. R. Hawley was assigned to the command of the district.
Terry crossed Cape Fear River on the 16th, and arrived on the
nth at the town of South Washington, situated on the southeast
branch of Cape Fear River.
On the 20th, a station known as Mount Olive, on the Wilmington
and Gaston Railroad, was reached. The 97th P. V. came upon
recently evacuated camps of the 17th Corps, a part of Gen. Sher-
man's force, where it encamped for the night.
Early on the morning of the 21st, the march was resumed. Ar-
rived at Cox's Ferry, on the Neuse River, and encamped about 3 P.
M. The 97th P. V. occupied the property of a Mr. J. H. Kirk-
ham, his stables being used for the officers' horses. The Regiment
subsequently reoccupied these quarters. It was then reported that
many of the residents of this vicinity had buried much valuable
property to prevent its falling into the hands of the enemy. Indi-
cations were noticed of the stable floors having been recently dis-
turbed; some men of the Regiment made search for the treasure;
a box of jewelry, silverware and other valuables was found, of
which Col. Wainwright took possession. The owner, Mr. Kirkham,
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366 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. t^P'^'
manifested much anxiety in regard to the occupancy of his buildings.
Discovering that the box had been removed, he made inquiry at
head-quarters in regard to it. His claim to the property being
regarded well founded, it was restored to him.
Gen. Schofield^s forces had marched from Kinston on the 20th,
and occupied Goldsboro', with but slight opposition, on the evening
of the 21st. Gen. Terry's command, marching from the direction of
Wilmington, had secured Cox's bridge crossing, and laid a pontoon
bridge across the Neuse River, by the 22d, after a march of the
most extraordinary character of more than seventy miles, over
swamps and rivers deemed impassable to others^ at the most incle-
ment season of the year, drawing his supplies from a wasted country.
For these movements, Gen. Sherman, in Field Orders No. 36, Head-
Quarters Military Division of the Mississippi, dated in the field,
near Bentonville, N. C, March 22, 1865, thanked Gen. Terry and
his forces for the eficiency and promptitude of their co-operation.
On the 22d of March, Gen. Sherman's Army appeared, coming in
on the left, crossed the bridge laid by Terry's forces, at Cox's Ferry,
and proceeded toward Goldsboro'. Gen. Terry's forces also ad-
vanced, leaving the 10th Corps behind.
On the 23d, at 7 A. M., the 10th Corps returned, marching
over the route by which they came, to occupy the Wilmington and
Gaston Eailroad, distant about fifteen miles, reaching Faison's Sta-
tion in the evening, where the 97th P. V. again went into camp,
very tired of the backward march. The Regiment remained at this
place nearly three weeks. Four hundred and three recruits and
conscripts were here received. To prepare these for immediate
active service required constant drill during every interval from
other duties of the command'.
On April 10, Gen. Terry's forces again moved upon the enemy's
lines, taking the route toward Bentonville.
On the 11th, the 97th P. V. was detached and sent back to assist
Gen. Kilpatrick's wagon train through the mud. It remained with
the train as an escort and guard during the march, until the ad-
vance lines near Raleigh were reached on April 16. On this march
the Regiment performed most arduous service, having to repair and
build bridges and corduroy roads, much of the way being through
swamp and morass, and over streams impassable until bridged.
Upon arriving in the vicinity of Raleigh, the Regiment rejoined
the brigade.
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1M5.] JUNCTION WITH GENERAL SHERMAN 'S ARMY. 367
News of Lee's surrender to Gen. Grant, at Appomattox Court
House, Va., was now received, with intense satisfaction, by the army
operating in North Carolina. Upon the receipt of this glorious in-
MCLEAN* 8 HOUSE, THE PLACE OF LEE* 8 SURBEKDER.
telligence. Gen. Sherman determined to force Johnson to surrender
the second great army of the rebels without delay. He gave im-
mediate orders to drop all trains, marched his army rapidly through
Bentonville, in pursuit of Johnson's Army to and through the city of
Raleigh, reaching that place at 7.30 A. M., on April 13, in a heavy
rain. The next day the cavalry pushed on, through the rain, to
Durham's Station, Logan's 15th Corps following as far as Morris-
ville Station, and Blair's 17th Corps to John's Station, on the
supposition that Johnson would be compelled to adhere to the
railroad as a line of retreat. Gen. Sherman had pushed forward
the left wing of his army, under command of Maj. Gen. H. W.
Slocum, commanding the Army of Georgia, composed of Davis'
14th and Mower's 20th Corps, followed by the right wing, under
command of Maj. Gen. O. O. Howard, commanding the Army of
the Tennessee; throwing this heavy force across the bend in the
railroad toward Ashboro', to intercept Johnson's retreat. Mean-
while Gen. Schofield was to hold Raleigh and its approaches, with
the Army of the Ohio, and also to support the movement in pursuit
ot Johnson, with his spare force, by an intermediate route. Owing
to the rapid movements and masterly disposition of his forces, by
Gen. Sherman, Johnson's Army was brought to a stand.
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368 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. t^^y*
On April 26, 1865,
after several attempts
at negotiating terms of
capitulation, Johnson
surrendered his army
to Gen. Sherman, at
Bennett's house, near
Durham Station, thus
bringing to an end the
armed rebellion which
— through four years of
persistent effort, in-
PLACB OP JOHNBOM^S BURBBNDER TO SHERMAN. VOlVlUg UUtold SaCTl-
fices of life and at the
cost of millions of treasure, exhausting every resource of power and
prosperity — had waged its desperate and fruitless warfare for the
overthrow of the Nation.
After Johnson's surrender, the 97th P. V. was ordered to Raleigh,
N. C, and was encamped in the vicinity of that city until July 10,
furnishing guard, outpost and safe-guard details.
While at Raleigh, the troops were reviewed by Gen. Sherman.
Brevet Brig. Gen. John S. Littell (colonel 76th P. V.) being in com-
mand of the brigade.
Upon the recommendation of Col. Pennypacker, 1st Lieut. John
Wainwright, who, as the senior officer remaining with the Regi-
ment, had been in command during most of the time since October,
1864, was commissioned lieutenant colonel of the Regiment, and
was mustered April 19, 1865, to rank from March 14, 1865. He
had been previously recommended for promotion to captain of Com-
pany F and to major of the Regiment; but, owing to delays at
head-quarters, the commissions were not received until after his pro-
motion to lieutenant colonel.
Capt. William H. Martin, Company A, was also commissioned as
major of the Regiment, to rank from January 15, 1865.
The following details of special duty, upon which the officers of
the Regiment served, while at Raleigh, Gaston, Weldon, Warrenton,
and other places, will specify some of the duties performed by the
97th P. V.
On May 2, Company H, Capt. Theodore M Smedley, was de*
tailed, as a permanent guard, at Pettigrew Hospital, in Raleigh,
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1W5.] GENERAL PENNYPAOKER*S FAREWELL LETTER. 369
N. C, and remained upon that duty until July 11. The company
was then ordered, with the Regiment, to Gaston, N. C.
On May 6, 1st Lieut. David W. Odiorne, Company D, was placed
in command of Company G, which he retained about one month.
Seven recruits joined the Regiment, at Raleigh, on May 9.
On May 12, a general court-martial was convened at Raleigh, N.
C, by an order of Brevet Maj. Gen. A. Ames, commanding 2d
division, 10th Corps. The court met at division head-quarters, Col.
William B. Coan being president of the court. Maj. W. H. Mar-
tin, of the 97th P. V., was detailed and served as a member of the
court during its sessions.
Surgeon Nichols, of the 97th P. V., was appointed chief medical
officer of the brigade. May 24, and continued in that position until
July 12, 1865.
Elwood P. Baldwin, 1st sergeant Company H, was promoted to
1st Ueutenant and adjutant, to rank from May 26, 1865.
About May 23, 1865, Brevet Brig. Gen. G. Pennypacker — who
was still confined to his bed, in the Chesapeake Hospital, at Fortress
Monroe, Va., by the severity of his Fort Fisher wounds — received,
from the Secretary of War, a commission as brigadier general of
U. S. Volunteers, having previously received a brevet commission
for gallantry at Fort Fisher. He, therefore, addressed the following
message of farewell to the oflBcers and men he had led so long and
bravely and who had followed him so faithfully through many
battles:
U. S. General Hospital (Officers' Division),
Fort Monroe, Va., May 23, 1865.
To the Officers and Men of the 97th P. V.
My Fellow Soldiers: Having been appointed, by his Excel-
lency the President of the United States, to the position of briga-
dier general of volunteers, my connection with you, as an oflBcer of
your organization, has ceased.
In saying to you, hereby, my farewell, I wish to bear testimony
to the very kind and cheerful manner with which my demands were
ever met and to your general eflficiency and good conduct.
But, more than all, I must compliment you for the great name
you have achieved in your corps and at your homes for deeds that
were more than brave. You have stood firm where others might
well have faltered.
I have been one of your number so long that I think I know
24
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370 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. fJ^«»
and appreciate you, and when I ask you to strive to maintain, in
the future, the good name you so honorably won and have borne
in the past, I feel that I am not asking in vain.
The glorious work in which we have been engaged, being so near
a complete and successful termination, I must congratulate you
upon the prospect of your soon being permitted to join again your
relatives and friends at home.
You have my warm thanks for your soldierly and courteous bear-
ing; my best wishes for your future prosperity and success; my
prayers for your speedy and safe return. Farewell. May the bless-
ing of Heaven attend you.
G. Penntpacker,
Brig. Gen. U. S. Vols.
Lieut. Col. John Wainwright was commissioned, on June 1, as
colonel of the Regiment and mustered, by Lieut. B. Seward, A. C
M., on June 15, 1865.
Maj. William H. Martin was promoted to lieutenant colonel on
June I, 1865, but was not mustered.
Capt. Leonard R. Thomas, Company C, was commissioned major
of the Regiment June 1, but was not mustered.
On June 6, Col. Coan, 48th N. Y., relieved Brevet Brig. Gen. J.
S. Littell in command of the brigade. Gen. Littell being then as-
signed to the command of the division. 1st Lieut. David Odiome
was appointed acting aid-de-camp on the staff of Col. Coan, 2d
brigade, 2d division, 10th Corps. Brig. Gen. J. S. Littell, com-
manding 2d division, was mustered out on July 25, when Col. Coan
took command of the division. Lieut. Odiorne was then relieved
from duty upon brigade staff and appointed on division staflf, and
continued in that position until August 16, 1865, when relieved to
be mustered out with the Regiment.
Qr. Mr. Sergt. John H. Brower was promoted to quarter-master
of the Regiment on June 7.
David R. Cochran, sergeant Company G, was then promoted to
quarter-master sergeant.
Caleb Mercer, sergeant Company F, was promoted to commissary
sergeant, same date.
On June 20, Maj. Martin was sent to several plantations, about
twenty miles from Guston, to settle diflficulties between the freedman
and the planters, the former being unwilling to go to work without
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^^^1 GASTON AND WELDON, N. C. DETAILS AND PROMOTIONS. 371
some guarantee of compensation. He was absent four days, was
everywhere treated well— called meetings of the freedmen, and gave
them instructions as to their duties in their new condition.
On June 21, Maj. Martin was again detailed upon a military com-
mission convened at Raleigh, N. C, by order of Gen. Ames, and
continued to serve upon the court-martial until July 20.
Twenty-one recruits were received, on June 23, and assigned to
Company K.
On July 11, Companies A, B, E, F, H, I and K were ordered to
Graston, N. C, on the Roanoke River, at the junction of the
Gaston and Petersburg Railroad, Col. John Wainwright being as-
signed to the command of that post. Companies C, D and G were
ordered to Weldon, N. C. Maj. Martin being still engaged upon
duty as a member of court-martial, at Raleigh, the command of this
detachment devolved upon Capt. William S. Underwood, Company
K, the senior oflBcer present.
Near the latter part of July, Companies A, B, F, H and I joined
the companies at Weldon, leaving Company E at Gaston. Company
G was sent to Halifax and Company K to Warrenton, N. C, at
which place the men suffered much from sickness, principally fever
and ague.
On July 17, Capt. Dallas Crow, Company B, was detailed as pro-
vost marshal during the occupation of Gaston, N. C. The principal
duty was to administer the oath of allegiance to about five hun-
dred men, forty women, and a dozen couples previous to their being
married.
During the remaining portion of its term of service, the 97th
P. V. was engaged upon such duties as the exigencies of the situation
and the condition of the people in their new relations demanded,
affording protection to the inhabitants as needed. The officers
were directed to co-operate with the agents of the Freedmen*s Bu-
reau; securing the welfare, peace and order of the district in their
charge, through maintaining respect to the authority of the govern-
ment, by all classes. It was found necessary to visit almost every
section of the surrounding country, in order to inform the ignorant
fteedmen and more ignorant white laborers of their duties and
rights, under the new order of things; and to urge upon all the ne-
cesrity of returning to labor and the culture of the soil, from which
they must draw their future sustenance.
On August 28, 1865, the 97th P. V., after four years of arduous
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372 HISTORY OP THE NINETT-SEVENTH REGIMENT. [September,
and active duty, was mustered out of the service of the United
States, at Weldon, N. C, by Capt. Augustus M. Erwin, 48th N. Y.,
Assistant Commissary of Musters. The oflBcers and men then took
passage upon the cars for Petersburg, and thence to City Point, Va.,
at which place they went on board the steam transport James
Jerome, for Baltimore, passing Fortress Monroe, Va., on the night of
August 29.
The Fortress Monroe correspondent of the Philadelphia Inquirer,
in a communication to that paper, dated September 1, 1865, thus
refers to the services of the 97th P. V.:
Veterans of the Keystone State. — At a late hoar last night, the Ninety-
Seventh Regiment, Pennsylvania YoIuDteers, passed oat of Hampton Roads and
up the broad bay on their way to Baltimore. From the latter city, they will
proceed by rail to Philadelphia, where they will be mastered oat of the service,
upon which their gallant deeds of arms have reflected additional lustre. This
Regiment left the Keystone State, four years ago, under the command of Colonel
Henry R. Guss. It is now commanded by Colonel John Wainwright.
Among the veteran legions of Pennsylvania the old Ninety-Seventh takes an
honored stand. Their victorious eagles have been borne from Washington to
Petersburg, from the Peninsula pf Virginia to the defences of Charl»»ston.
Their wild hurrahs rang out over Morris Island, and their avenging bayonets
gleamed from the slopes of Wagner and Oregg, From the rice swamps of the
Palmetto State, they were sammoned to the trenches before Petersburg.
During the last winter of the war, they were sent to force the gates of Wil-
mington, N. C. They participated in the storming of Fort Fisher, N. C, where
they were in the brigade of their gallant Colonel Pennypacker.
On the 22d of February last, they anfarled their battle-torn banner in the
streets of Wilmington.
From the latter city, they marched to Goldsboro', where they joined the Army
of Sherman. With him they swept to the capital of North Carolina, and in its
shadow they 8to.>d, proud spectators, as the last organized army of the rebellion
laid its arms at the feet of the defenders and preservers of Union and Liberty.
The Regiment arrived in Philadelphia on September 2, 1865,
where it was received by crowds of citizens, with demonstrations of
enthusiasm, music and banners, and guns firing for the heroes of
Fort Fisher. The number then upon the roster was about six hun-
dred, officers and men. At the depot. Broad Street and Washington
Avenue, the line was formed; then marched down Washington
Avenue to the Cooper Shop and Union Volunteer Refreshment Sa-
loons, where the men were entertained with the same bountiful pro-
vision which was extended to the Regiment, four years before, when
setting out for the seat of war; being now provided for by the
same untiring hands which had ministered to their comfort then.
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1865.] RETURN TO PHILADELPHIA AND FINAL DISBANDING. 373
These institutions, of which every citizen of Philadelphia may
well feel proud, have given to the city a national reputation for
hospitality and patriotism, which alone would indicate her un-
swerving loyalty and devotion to the cause in which so many of
her truest and best sons have so faithfiilly served, and to maintain
which, against traitorous hands that sought the nation's overthrow,
so many of her bravest and best beloved gave their lives.
The Regiment then proceeded* to quarters at Camp Cadwalader,
where, on September 4, the oflBcers and men were paid by Maj.
David Taggert, paymaster U. S. A., and the Regiment was finally
discharged and disbanded.
The following is a list of officers who returned with the Regiment
with their rank and place of residence when first enlisted:
Field and Staff.
Colonel. John Wainwright, Ist sergeant, Company F, West Chester.
Major. William H. Martin, corporal, Company A, Christiana, Lancaster Co
Adjutant. Elwood P. Baldwin, 2d lieutenant, Company H; reigned and re-
enlisted as private. Company H, West Chester.
Quarter-Master. John H. Brower, private, Company F, East Vincent, Chester Co.
Surgeon. Pennock J. Nichols (recently assigned), Londonderry, Chester Co.
Hospital Steward. Madison Lovett, private, Company A, Colerain, Lancaster Co.
Quarter-Master Sergeant. David R. Cochran, private. Company U, Media.
Commissary Sergeant. Caleb Mercer, corporal. Company F, Coatesville.
Drum Major. John Weber, corporal. Company F, Oxford, Chester Co
Fife Major. Milton S. Taylor, musician, Company H, West Chester.
Sutler. George Blanchard (recently assigned), Philadelphia.
Co. A. Capt. Robert L. Black, private, Coatesville, Chester Co.
1st Lieut. Franklin Clay Henry, private, Coatesville.
2d Lieut. Joseph Phillips, private, Ridley, Delaware Co.
Co. B. Capt. Dallas Crow, private, Sadsburyville, Chester Co.
Ist Lieut. David S. Harry, private, Cochran ville, Chester Co.
2d Lieut. John B. GriflSth, private, Coatesville, Chester Co.
Co. C. Capt. Leonard R. Thomas, private, Mortonville, Chester Co.
Ist Lieut. George W. Abel, private, West Chester.
2d Lieut. Charles Warreo, private, Schuylkill, Chester Co.
Co. D. Capt. Isaaj B. Taylor, sergeant. East Whiteland, Chester Co.
Ist Lieut. David W. Odiorne, corporal. Ivy Mills, Delaware Co.
2d Lieut. John W. Brooks, private, Westtown, Chester Co.
Co. E. Capt. Samuel D Smith, sergeant. East Goshen, Chester Co.
1st Lieut. John C. Nicholson, private, Philadelphia.
2d Lieut. John Sullivan, corporal, Thornbury, Delaware Co.
Co. F. Capt. Lewis P. Malin, private, Sugarton, Chester Co.
Ist Lieut. Isaac J. Nichols, private, Kimberton, Chester Co.
2d Lieut. John Elwood Huntsman, sergeant, Edgemont, Delaware Co.
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374 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. [September,
Co. G. Capt. Washington W. James, private, Bdgemont, Delaware Co.
Ist Lieut. Isaiah Bird, private, Oxford, Chester Co.
2d Lieut. Jeremiah Yost, private, Media, Delaware Co.
Co. H. Capt. Theodore M. Smedley, private. West Bradford, Chester Co.
. 1st Lieut. Phares P. Brown, corporal, Guthrieville, Chester Co.
2d Lieut. Isaac L. Dutton, private, Lower Oxford, Chester Co.
Co. I. Capt. George W. Duflfee, sergeant, Leiperville, Delaware Co.
Ist Lieut. William H. H. Gibson, private, Chester, Delaware Co.
2d Lieut. George W. Middle ton, private. Lazaretto. Delaware Co.
Co. K. Capt. William S. Underwood, sergeant, Jennerville, Chester Co.
Isl Lieut. William Sullivan, private, Warren Tavern, Chester Co.
2d Lieut. John W. Thompson, private, Hopewell, Chester Co.
About fifty ire-enlisted veterans returned with the Regiment, all
of whom had been promoted as commissioned and non-commissioned
officers.
During the term of its service, it was the fortune of the Regi-
ment to be engaged in front of the three principal cities on the
southern coast, viz.: Savannah, Ga., Charleston, S. C. and Wilming-
ton, N. C. It also participated in most of the engagements that
took place in front of the two principal cities in Virginia — Peters-
burg and Richmond, as well as in the operations that secured the
occupation of Raleigh and Goldsboro', N. C.
It was associated with five of the grand armies of the Union,
viz.: Army of the Department of the South, Army of the James,
Army of the Potomac, Army of the Ohio, with Sherman's Army at
the surrender of Johnson and the occupation of Raleigh, N. C,
and at the final surrender of Johnson's Army.
Many of its dead lie buried in the States of Pennsylvania, Mary-
land, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida
and in some of the cemeteries of New York and Long Island.
While in the Department of the South, the Regiment suffered
much from sickness, such as chronic diarrhoea, intermittent, conges-
tive and yellow fevers, and other diseases incident to a Southern
climate. Many of those discharged during the service and of those
who returned at the final muster-out, had contracted incurable
diseases from climatic exposure.
It is unnecessary, as well as impossible, to recount the numerous
testimonials of admiration and commendation which the 97th P. V.
has, at various periods, received from commanding officers under
whom it served, for its promptness, its discipline, its steadiness and
gallantry in every emergency, which have secured for it a place in
the front ranks of well-tried veterans.
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^^•^•1 OFFICIAL RECORD OF ENGAGEMENTS. 375
That the record of this Regiment has not been more widely
known, in connection with the important events with which it par-
ticipated, may be owing to the circumstance of its having had no
special correspondent of some sensational newspaper, to herald to
the world the gallant deeds of daring and bravery its officers and
men strove more to perform than to proclaim.
The official record of the most important operations in which the
Regiment was engaged is here given as transcribed from the list
filed in the Adjutant GeneraPs Office at Harrisburg.
Ninety-Seventh Regiment, Pennstlyania Volunteers.
Second Brigade, Second Diyision, Tenth Corps.
Col. Henry R. Guss; Col. G. Pennypacker, Brig, and Brevet Maj.
Gen. U. S. A.; Col. John Wainwright.
Fort Clinch and Femandina, Fla., March 5, 1862.
John's Island, S. C. June 7, 1862.
James Island, S. C, June 10, 1862.
Secessionville, S. C, June 16, 1862.
James Island, S. C, July 16, 1863.
Morris Island, S. C, July 18, 1863.
Forts Wagner and Gregg, S. C, September 7, 1863.
Swift Creek, Va., May 9, 1864.
Drury's Bluff, Va., May 16, 1864.
Chester Station (Foster*s Place), Va., May 18, 1864.
Green Plains, Va., May 20, 1864.
Cold Harbor, Va., June 3 to 12, 1864.
Petersburg Heights, Va., June 15, 1864.
Cemetery Hill, Va., June 30, 1864.
Mine Explosion, Va., July 30, 1864.
Deep Bottom (Strawberry Plains), Va., August 16, 1864.
Weir Bottom Church, Va., August 25, 1864.
Charles City Road, Va., October 7, 1864.
Darby Town Road, Va., October 27, 1864.
Fort Fisher, N. C, January 15, 1865.
Wilmington, N. C, February 22, 1865.
Organized at West Chester, Pa., July 25, 1861, by Col. H. R.
Guss, for three years. Reorganized as a veteran Regiment, at Fer-
nandina, Fla., March 16, 1864. Mustered out of the service, at
Weldon, N. C, August 28, 1865.
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376 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
The Record of the Regiment gives, in addition to these, the fol-
lowing actions in which it encountered the enemy's forces:
Proctor's Creek and Fort Darling, Va., May 14, 1864.
Wier Bottom Church Road, May 16, 1864.
Deep Bottom, Va., August 14, 1864.
Sugar Loaf Hill, near Wilmington, N. C, February 11, 1865.
Fort Anderson, N. C, February 19, 1865.
Surrender of Johnson near Raleigh, N. C, April 26, 1865.
The Regiment also participated in the following important sieges
and captures:
Siege of Fort Pulaski, Gra., February and March, 1862.
Capture of Fort Clinch and Fernandina, Fla., March 5, 1862.
Siege of Charleston, S. C, April 7 to July 7, 1862.
Capture of LegareeviUe, John's Island, S. C, June 5, 1862.
Occupation of James Island, S. C, June 9, 1862, and the reoccu-
pation on July 9, 1863.
Siege of Forts Sumter, Moultrie, Johnson; Wagner and Gregg,
on Morris Island, S. C; July, August and September, 1863.
Capture of Forts Wagner and Gregg, Morris Island, S. C, Sep-
tember 7. 1863.
Capture of Camp Cooper, Fla., February 10, 1864.
Capture of Woodstock and King's Ferry Mills, on St. Mary's
River, Ga., February 16, 1864.
Action with rebel cavalry, near Woodstock Mills, February 22,
1864.
Capture of Bermuda Hundred and City Point, Va., May 6, 1864.
Siege of Petersburg and Richmond, Va., June, July, August,
September, October, November and December, 1864.
Occupation of Raleigh, N. C, April 13, 1865,
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RECORD OF RECRUITING SERVICE. 377
CHAPTER XII.
Recruiting Service; First Detail, at Fortress Monroe, Va.,
December 8, 1861; Second, January 1, 1862; Third, Septem-
BER 2, 1862; Fourth, October 24, 1862, all at Hilton Head,
S. C; Fifth, at Morris Island, S. C, July 22, 1863.
HEN the Regiment left West Chester, November
16, 1861, Companies I and K not having the re-
quisite number of men, it became necessary to
adopt means for securing the enlistment of recruits.
At Fortress Monroe, Va., Col. Guss received au-
thority to send home a recruiting party. He there-
fore issued an order, detailing upon that service
1st Lieuts. Thomas S. Taylor, Company H, and
Sketchly Morton, Jr., Company I; Sergts. John E.
Davis, Company D, and R. Powell Fithian, Company K. Those
officers were directed to proceed to Pennsylvania and establish re-
cruiting rendezvous at West Chester and Chester.
They left Fortress Monroe on December 8, 1861, for New York.
Lieut. Taylor established his head-quarters at West Chester and
Lieut. Morton at Chester. They visited various localities in both
counties, held several meetings, posted hand-bills, giving notice of
the places of rendezvous for recruits, etc. They succeeded in get-
ting about twenty-five men, and collected beside a few convalescent
soldiers who had been left behind sick when the Regiment marched
from Camp Wayne. Lieut. Taylor was relieved from recruiting
service, January 10, 1862. After closing his accounts and collect-
ing his men, Lieut. Taylor started from West Chester, January 20,
having about thirty men in his charge. Two deserted at the West
Chester depot. He reported, in Philadelphia, to Lieut. Col. C. F.
RuflF, and received orders to go by way of Baltimore and Fortress
Monroe, Va. At Baltimore, he received information, from the cap-
tain of a boat just starting, that no transportation could be had
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378 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
from Fortress Monroe for several weeks. He then reported to Gen.
Dix, commanding department, who furnished him with the proper
papers, with orders to return and report in New York. He had in
his charge a wagon load of boxes for soldiers of the Regiment from
their friends and some for the hospital. These were a great
hindrance and expense, having to be carted twice across Baltimore
and Philadelphia, owing to the mistake of being ordered to take
the Fortress Monroe route. Upon arriving in New York, after
much trouble and delay, the men were quartered in the White Street
barracks, and remained there about a week awaiting transportation
to Port Royal, S. C. His men were examined, in New York, by
an inspecting surgeon. A few were rejected and sent home. One
was left in Baltimore sick, another in Philadelphia and two deserted
at Wilmington, Del.
The first vessel that sailed, and upon which they embarked, was
the Matanzas, Capt. Liesgang, a clever old Scotch gentleman.
When only a few hours at sea they encountered a violent storm.
The voyage was prolonged, in consequence, about two days. Their
provisions were spoiled by the sea water. Lieut. Taylor obtained
some from Lieut. Stanzer, of the 100th N. Y., whose provisions es-
caped damage. Upon arriving at Port Royal Harbor, the vessel
was ordered immediately to Beaufort, S. C, to land cargo, the men
not being allowed to land at Hilton Head. This detained them on
board two days longer, when the vessel returned to Hilton Head.
Lieut. Taylor found only a few sick soldiers at the camp of the
Regiment, in charge of Dr. Smith, hospital steward. He received
orders, at head-quarters, to take command of the camp. After a
few days, he was ordered to join the Regiment, then at Warsaw
Sound, Ga., with the men under his command. The detachment
reached Warsaw on February 12, 1862. His recruits, fifteen, that
remained of the number with which he started, were then mustered
into the service.
In order to keep the ranks of the regiments, serving during the
war, from becoming reduced below the standard required for com-
panies and regiments, by loss from casualties and disease, orders
were issued from the War Department, early in December, 1861,
requiring the detail of recruiting parties, to consist of two or more
commissioned officers, with a limited number of non-commissioned
officers and privates from each regiment, to be sent to the locahties
from which the different regiments were recruited, to serve upon
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RECORD OP RECRUITING SERVICE. 379
that duty for a period of six months; to be then relieved by order
or by a new detail for the same duty.
The first detail, in pursuance with these orders, from the 97th
P. V. was made at Hilton Head, S. C, by the following order:
Head-Quarters, E. C, Hilton Head, S. C,
January 2, 1862.
Special Order No. 3.
In compliance with Paragraph III of General Orders No. 105,
from head-quarters of the army, dated Washington, D. C, De-
cember 3, 1861, the following named officers and non-commissioned
oflBcers are detailed for recruiting service, for the six months ending
June 30, 1862, and will report to Capt. R. I. Dodge, 8th Infantry,
Harrisburg, Pa.: Capt. Isaiah Price; 1st Lieut. Sketchly Morton,
Jr.; Sergts. R. Powell Fithian, John C. Brubaker, Jefferis T.
Massey and John J. Barber, 97th P. V.
By order of Brig. Gen. T. W. Sherman.
L. H. Pelouze, Capt. 15th Infty.,
A. A. A. G.
Three of the number, detailed in the above order, were already
upon recruiting service in Pennsylvania, viz.: Lieuts. S. Morton, Jr.,
and J. J. Barber, and Sergt. R. P. Fithian.
Capt. Price and Sergts. Brubaker and Massey embarked on the
Arago, at 9 A. M., January 3, 1862; arrived in New York at 2
P. M. on the 6th; thence proceeded to Harrisburg, Pa., reporting,
on January 8, to Capt. R. I. Dodge, 8th Infantry, Superintendent
of Recruiting Service in Pennsylvania. The party was, by that
officer, assigned to duty as follows: Capt. Price and Sergt. R. P.
Fithian at. West Chester, Pa.; Lieut. S. Morton, Jr., and Sergt. J.
C. Brubaker at Chester, Delaware Co.; Lieut. J. J. Barber and
Sergt. J. T. Massey at Oxford, Chester Co. They continued upon
recruiting service at those places during the months of January,
February, March and April, 1862. But little success, however, at-
tended their efforts, owing to the influences referred to in the second
chapter of this work.
The recruits obtained by this detail were forwarded semi-monthly
to Harrisburg, Pa. Some of them were subsequently forwarded to
the 97th Regiment, but quite a number were sent to other regi-
ments, either through being permitted to choose for themselves, or
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380 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
from other influences, by which means the 97th Regiment failed to
obtain the full benefit of its ofiicers' eflforts to fill up its ranks.
The recruiting service was regarded a most onerous duty by those
engaged upon it; absence from their Regiment became most irksome
and distasteful, more especially as it was realized that they were
missing the opportunity of training and the experience of service
in the field. Capt. Price made several earnest eflforts to have his
party relieved and sent back to the Regiment ; by application to
Capt. Dodge, Superintendent of Recruiting Service, at Harrisburg,
and also addressed a letter to the Secretary of War, April 28, 1862,
urging the granting of his request. About May 5, 1862, he re-
ceived notice from the Superintendent to collect his detail, close up
accounts, and report at Harrisburg with the recruits on hand, pre-
paratory to rejoining the Regiment.
The recruiting party reached that city on May 6, and were re-
lieved from that service. Capt. Price was then placed in charge of
a small detachment of recruits, with orders to rejoin the Regiment;
started at once, reaching New York, at 10 P. M., where the men
were placed in barracks at White Street.
On May 7, Capt. Price reported to Col. C. H. Tompkins, U. S.
quarter-master, at New York, to obtain subsistence and transporta^
tion for his detachment. Embarked May 15, 1862, on board steam-
ship Oriental, Capt. Tuzo, for Port Royal. Sailed from New York at
9 A. M., with prospect of a safe voyage, until midnight of the 16th,
when the ship went ashore on Bodice Island, near Cape Hatteras,
N. C. There seemed no apparent cause for the disaster, which
could only be attributed to gross neglect on the part of those on
the watch at the time, or of design. There was considerable alarm
at first among the passengers until assured of no immediate danger.
Morning was awaited with irrepressible anxiety. The white foam
of the surf upon the beach was plainly visible. The surf con-
tinued to move the vessel still further toward the shore, notwith-
standing the eflforts made by Capt. Tuzo to haul her head oflF shore
by carrying a heavy anchor out into deep water, to which a hawser
was attached, which, being made fast to the capstan, was kept
taut that the force of the waves might gradually work her head
oflf the beach. A large portion of the cargo, consisting of quarter,
master's stores, was also thrown overboard to lighten the ship, at
which the recruits for the 97th P. V. worked for several hours most
faithfully with the other troops on board; but all eflforts were un-
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RECORD OP RECRUITING SERVICE, 381
availing. By morning, the northeast wind had increased to a gale
and the danger from the storm hecame every hour more imminent.
Preparations were then made for landing the passengers, among
whom were several ladies ; also Gen. R. Saxton, Governor of South
Carolina, and some members of his staflf; Capt. J. P. Johnson, an
accomplished seaman and commander of the transport steamer
Boston, and Mr. Charles Making, chief engineer of the steamer
Cosmopolitan, the latter having with him a crew of four or five
men who were tried and reliable seamen.
When it became a matter of importance to get a hawser ashore,
to facilitate the saving of life, by reason of the prevailing north-
east gale and few remaining hours of daylight, Mr. Making over-
heard the ofiicers (Gen. Saxton, Qr. Mr. Moore and Capt. Tuzo)
consulting about the possibility and manner of getting ashore, with
a hawser, upon such a heavy sea. He then reported what he had
heard, to Capt. Johnson, and said to him if he (Capt. Johnson),
dared make the attempt, he and his men would join him. Capt.
Johnson replied, "We both know your five men, and I will volun-
teer to do it with them."
They lost no time in setting about their perilous task, which was
successfully accomplished, though their boat was overturned in the
surf upon the beach by the violence of the waves. Upon the return
of the boat from the shore, the ladies and some of the officers were
next sent off", a line being attached to the hawser to keep the boat
in control. It was a critical venture, owing to the violence of the
waves, which every hour became more rough; this boat was also
tossed over, and only the prompt vigilance of the boat's crew who
seized the ladies and carried them ashore, saved them from being
swept away by the dashing waters. A hammock was then swung
from the cable, by which the remaining passengers were sent ashore,
one at a time, without touching the water, the shore end of the
hawser being secured high enough to swing the hammock clear.
By the time the passengers were all landed it was nearly dark.
The storm drove wildly against the beach, rendering the prospect of
an unsheltered night, upon a desolate coast, most cheerless. The
ladies had been sent to the only habitation on the island, a small
cabin, about a mile distant. Some of the passengers bivouacked
under the lee of the sand banks, with their gum blankets, and
others wandered oflf to a deserted old cotton house, in sight across
the flats, and found more comfortable quarters. By next morning,
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382 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
the ship had been driven inshore by the gale and the surf, cutting
its way through the sand until her bow almost overhung the dry
land. It was now no difficult task to land the baggage of the pas-
sengers and provisions for sustenance until relief could reach us.
Capt. Tuzo placed several large sails at the disposal of the pas-
sengers for shelter, whereupon the recruiting party of the 97th
P. V. set to work to build a tent, finding plenty of spars upon the
beach, and soon had comfortable quarters for all.
Soon after the vessel struck upon the bar, an officer, a passenger
on the steamer, while passing near the open hold, was thrown down
by a sudden lurch of the vessel, striking his head against the bottom
timbers of the ship; he was picked up senseless and carried to the
cabin, where he received every attention possible, and, after the
shelter was prepared on shore, was taken there upon a lounge, still
suflfering much and only partially conscious. When the safety of
the ship was assured, by the abatement of the storm, he was taken
on board to more comfortable quarters. It is not known whether
he recovered or not, nor is his name now remembered.
After the storm had abated, the crew and several passengers re-
turned on board the ship, now fast aground and in no possible
danger.
Chaplain Whitehead, of the 97th P. V., returning from leave of
absence, had joined the party at New York. In the labor of pre-
paring the shelter he was a most active and efficient assistant and
when completed was rather zealous in asserting the proprietorship
of his party over the improvised caravansera. A couple of fellow
passengers, who had kindly fulfilled Capt. Tuzo*s request to Capt.
Price to have a lady passenger's trunk safely stowed in the tent
when completed, having carried it from the beach, sat it down near
the middle of the tent; seeing which the ardent chaplain, thinking
it an innovation of the proprieties of the new domicil, promptly
ordered them to remove it, which the said individuals, not exactly
used to such imperative commands, quietly declined to do, whereupon
the chaplain seemed likely to reassert the order with the force of
his party to back it; of which he seemed to have no manner of
doubt, until informed that the gentlemen, in placing it there, had
only fiilfiUed a request of Capt. Price, on behalf of Capt. Tuzo and
the lady passenger, and had no disposition to violate the order of
the tent. The incident served to show, however, that our chaplain
would be no sinecurist in a defensive skirmish or a time of danger.
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RECORD OF RECRUITING SERVICE. 383
Upon first landing, a messenger had been dispatched, by a sail-
boat, upon an inland passage, to communicate with Gen. Bumside's
fleet, either at Hatteras Inlet or on Roanoke Island, distant nearly
sixty miles, in order to have a vessel sent to our relief.
On May 19, the steam transport George Peabody, Capt. Traverse,
arrived from Hatteras Inlet, accompanied by Lieut. W. J. Ellis,
Assistant Quarter-Master U. S. A., who rendered efficient assist-
ance in taking up the passengers and their baggage, returning to
Hatteras Inlet the same evening. The party remained on board
the George Peabody until May 22; then embarked on board the
steam transport Albany, Capt. Lewis, for New York. The Albany
was one of Gen. Bumside's fleet, and was a miserable unseaworthy
craft, having the appearance of a canal barge, with an upper deck
built upon it and engines placed in it, and was not such a vessel as
any one would voluntarily undertake a voyage in from Philadelphia
to Cape May with any very certain prospect of returning safely.
Capt. Johnson had accompanied the party on the tug, intending to
take passage also; but, seeing how matters looked, remained upon
the tug. As it was about to cast off, Capt. Price, observing Capt.
Johnson still on the tug, asked if he was not going along. He smiled
and replied, " Not if he could help it." Calling a hasty council with
his men, Capt. Price stated his views of the shaky-looking condition
of the vessel and said, *' I will leave it to you whether we go on her
or wait for a better-looking ship." They all said, " We are tired of
staying here. If you will risk her we will." They, therefore, re-
mained on board the frail craft, which arrived safely in New York
on May 24. The recruits were placed in quarters, at Franklin
Street barracks for subsistence, to await another vessel.
On May 29, embarked on U. S. steam transport Ericsson, and
arrived at Port Royal, S. C, June 2; applied immediately at U. S.
Quarter-Master's Office for transportation to North Edisto, where
the Regiment was supposed to be. Gen. Hunter's expedition
against Charleston had just sailed for Charleston Harbor. Gen.
Hunter had boarded the Ericsson as it came in the harbor to meet
his family who were on board. Capt. Price, desiring to have his
party join the Regiment without delay, applied to Gen. Hunter for
permission to transfer his men to the steamer as she lay alongside,
and was informed by G^n. Hunter that he would with pleasure allow
him to do sp if it were at all certain the troops had started upon
the march. He thought the best plan would be to go to Edisto and
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384 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
from there to Stono River if the Regiment had left the former place.
Finding no vessel ready for Edisto before June 4, the delay was
vexatious but inevitable; then embarked on the steamer Cosmo-
politan, arriving at Edisto at 7 P. M., on the 4th, and found the
camp of the Regiment in charge of Capt. McConnell, of Company
E, then an invalid. The Regiment had marched, on June 2, toward
Charleston.
On the morning of the 5th, again embarked on the Cosmopolitan,
which proceeded to Stono River, and landed at Legareeville, John's
Island, S. C, where the Regiment had just arrived; reported to CoL
Guss, with party for duty, with the following named recruits: Wil-
liam Smith, enlisted March 27, 1862; Thomas P. Williams, enlisted
April 7; William Wilson, enlisted April 17; all for Company K;
Henry T. Gray, March 10, for Company A, and Joseph Wetherill,
March 10, for Company C.
There had been previously forwarded to the Regiment the fol-
lowing named recruits enlisted by the detachment, viz.: Amos Y.
Harry, January 1, 1862; James Feely, January 6; Charles L. Gunkle,
January 13; James N. Foley, January 13; Aaron J. Phipps,
January 18,; Theodore Beerbrower, January 21; Sebastian Keeley,
February 6; William J. McCarter, February 7; Johnson Wallace,
February 7; Jacob G. Lemp, February 14; Levi B. Walker, Fe-
bruary 15; Samuel McHenry, February 19; John Welsh, February
21,; Joseph R. Montgomery, February 24; Lawrence Fennings,
February 26, all for Company K; making twenty recruits forwarded
to the Regiment.
Four recruits were rejected by the examining surgeon: John A.
Dodd, Cecil County, Md.; William Bush, Ulster, Pa; Byard C. Daily,
Chester County, and Dominick Rodgers, West Chester. Two re-
cruits, William Jameson, of Tyrone, Ireland, and Worthington C.
Hawkins, of Philadelphia, deserted and were never recaptured.
The next detail for recruiting service \vas made at Hilton Head,
S, C, on September 10, 1862, by the following order:
Head-Quarters 97th P. V., Hilton Head, S. C,
September 10, 1862.
Special Orders No. 14.
In pursuance of General Orders No. 88, from the War Depart-
ment, Adjutant General's Office, Washington, D. C, dated July 25^
1862: Capts. Francis M. Guss, Company A; William Wayne, Corn-
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RECORD OF RECRUITING SERVICE. 385
pany K; Sergts, John E. Davis, Company D; Patrick Carter, Com-
pany E; Lee A. Stroud, Company F; Corps. William H. Martin,
Company A; Gerhard Reeder, Company B; John R. Miller, Com-
pany or William P. Hayman, Company I; William E. Davis,
Company K; Privates Samuel Lloyd, Company G, and Robert L.
Ainsworth, Company H, are hereby detailed and authorized to pro-
ceed to West Chester, Pa., on duty connected with the recruiting
service of this Regiment.
By command of Lieut. Col. A. P. Duer.
1st Lieut. John J. Barber,
By command of Act'g Adjt. 97th P. V.
Brig. Gen. John M. Brannan, Comd'g Dept.
Capt. Guss and detachment left Hilton Head, S. C, September 12,
on the steamer Ericsson, arriving at New York on the 15th; pro-
ceeded at once to their homes in West Chester and vicinity, where
they remained for a few days; then reported to Capt. R. I. Dodge,
8th Infantry, U. S. A., Superintendent of Recruiting Service at Har-
risburg. Pa. Capt. Guss, with a portion of the men was assigned
to duty at West Chester, and Capt. Wayne, with the remainder,
was stationed at Camp Curtin, Harrisburg. Success in recruiting
was very limited. No notes or record of this service were pre-
served from which to give a detailed statement. From the com-
pany records, it appears that on October 12, 1862, three recruits
joined the Regiment for Company A. These were Henry Albright,
enlisted September 23, 1862; Robert M. Eisenbeis, September 23,
and J. ^Sylvester Young, September 25. On November 18, 1862,
two recruits joined for Company A: Caleb B. Moore, enlisted Oc*
tober 16, and Allison Gibson, October 17.
Capt. Guss and recruiting party were relieved about December
12, 1862, and rejoined the Regiment, at St. Helena, on December
26, having in charge the following recruits: Joseph Y. Norton, en-
listed October 6, 1862, and John G. Herkins, October 22, for Com-
pany G; William Miles, October 27, and another recruit, name
and date not given, for Company K; William Day, October 28,
for Company A; making in all eleven recruits obtained by the
detachment.
Capt. William Wayne did not return to the Regiment, having
tendered his resignation in consequence of impaired health from
exposure and malaria incident to the climate of the south. He
25
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386 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
was honorably discharged, on January 19, 1863, by order of the
War Department. As an officer, he possessed the confidence and
respect of all and was much beloved by his company. His loss
from the Regiment was very much regretted, both on account of
his sterling merit and social worth.
The third recruiting party was detailed, at Hilton Head, S. C,
about October 24, 1862, consisting of Capts. William McConnell,
Company E, and George W. Hawkins, Company I ; Sergt/ Isaac J.
Burton, Company A, and one man from each of the other com-
panies. A copy of the order or a list of the names has not been
obtained. They were directed to proceed to Pennsylvania to re-
lieve Capts. Guss and Wayne upon that service. Capts. McConnell
and Hawkins and their men reported at Harrisburg, Pa., some time
in November, 1862, and were directed by Capt. Dodge, Superinten-
dent of Recruiting Service, to proceed to the counties of Chester
and Delaware and take charge of the recruiting service in that dis-
trict. It has been found impossible to obtain any account of this
service, owing to the subsequent death of both the officers above
named. Their success was quite limited. They continued upon
that duty until relieved, in April, 1863, and were then ordered to
return to the Regiment, which they rejoined, at Seabrook Point,
S. C , on April 25, 1863.
On July 22, 1863, at Morris Island, S. C, by direction of Gen.
Gillmore, Capt. D. W. C. Lewis, Company F, and Capt. Caleb
Hoopes, Company G, were detailed by Special Order No. 422, Head-
Quarters Department of the South, dated July 22, 1863, to proceed to
the rendezvous for drafted men and recruits in Pennsylvania, in order
to receive and conduct to the Regiment the requisite number of men
to fill it to the maximum number of one thousand and forty men;
two hundred and ninety being required. The following men were
detailed to accompany them: Corps. John T. Taylor, Company A;
Harvey Highet, Company B; Levis Beidler, Company C; Hillary
Fox, Company G ; Privates Abram Fawkes, Company D, and John
W. Edwards, Company F.
At 10 A. M. on the 22d, the detail went on board a small steamer
in Light House Inlet for transfer to the ocean steamship Arago,
bound from Hilton Head to New York, and due off Charleston
bar at 2 P. M. The steamer hove in sight by the time the harbor
vessel reached the bar. The party was soon standing on the deck
of the steamer in joyous anticipation of meeting their families and
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RECORD OP RECRUITING SERVICE. 387
friends, after an absence of nearly two years. Adieus were made
to a few brother officers and soldiers, who had accompanied them,
who were now to return to duty and danger at the front. The lines
were cast off and the signal given to start. It was hardly realized
that their faces were really turned homeward until the land receded
from view.
The weather was fine and the steamer made splendid headway.
There were nearly five hundred on board, exclusive of the wounded.
Upon comparing notes as to the seniority of commission, in order
to .ascertain the officer entitled to the command of the troops, in
conformity with standing orders of the Secretary of War, it was found
that Capt. Lewis was the ranking officer; but, being an invalid,
he declined to take command. During the first night at sea, Capt.
Lewis, being upon deck and looking over the side, noticed the vessel
seemed to strike something floating in the water every few minutes.
Upon calling Capt. Gadsden's attention to this, he ascertained it was
cotton bales evidently thrown overboard from a blockade runner,
which no doubt had mistaken his steamer for a man-of-war and was
trying to escape. As soon as it was sufficiently light for observa-
tion, a line of bales could be seen reaching far away to the horizon
where a faint line of black smoke indicated the position of the
frightened blockade runner. The course of the Arago was along
the outer edge of the Gulf Stream. After a short consultation with
the officers on board, Capt. Gudsden concluded to give chase and
gave the order to " 'bout ship.' Arrangements were then made to
prepare the ship for action. Fortunately, there was on board a ser-
geant with a small detachment of Capt. Hamilton's Battery (3d
U. S. Art'y). The sergeant was placed in charge of the armament
of the vessel,- consisting of two thirty-pound rifled Parrott guns
and two thirty-pound smooth-bore pieces. A detail of his men soon
prepared ammunition for the guns. Details were made from the
infentry and cavalry troops on board to assist in working them.
By 8 A. M., the chase was at the utmost speed of both vessels,
the blockade runner heading for Nassau. The excitement on board
the Arago became intense as she gained perceptibly upon the fugi-
tive. By 12 M., her lower rigging and hull could be discerned,
her smoke-stack rolling out immense volumes of black smoke,
indicating that her commander was making every effort to escape.
But these were of no avail, as the Arago gained rapidly, and by
3.30 P. M. had closed the distance between the vessels to less than
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388 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
three miles. The order was then given to fire a gun as a signal to
lay to, but there was no disposition to regard the summons. The
order was then given to put a shot across her deck, which was
quickly done by the accurate aim of the artillerymen. Two others
followed in rapid succession. The fourth shot cut the rigging and
sent the spars down over their heads, when the fleeing craft lay to
and hauled down their flag (British) in token of surrender. A boat
was lowered from the Arago, and an officer with a guard sent to
take possession of the prize thus captured after an exciting chase of
thirteen hours. She proved to be a Clyde-built steamer, named the
Emma, commanded by Capt. Leslie, forty-eight hours from Wilming-
ton, N. C, when discovered — being loaded with cotton and rosin,
bound for Nassau. In trying to make her escape, during the night,
they had thrown overboard about two hundred bales of cotton.
The officers and crew of the prize were transferred to the Arago,
and a hawser attached to the prize, when the prow of the Arago
again turned northward. The officers and crew, when brought on
board the Arago, were found to be the most crest-fallen set of Johnny
Bulls imaginable. It was their first venture, with the exception of
the captain, who was an old hand at the business. The prospect of
an inside view of a " Blarsted Yankee Prison'' was anything but
agreeable to them.
The Arago arrived safely in New York Harbor with her prize,
on Sunday, July 27, creating quite an excitement in that city.
The detachment, under command of Capt. Lewis, took cars the
same evening, and arrived in Philadelphia on the morning of the
28th, at 2 o'clock. Reported the same day for duty at department
head-quarters, and were ordered to Camp Cadwalader.
The officers and men were subsequently permitted *to visit their
homes for a short time. But they remained upon duty chiefly at
Camp Cadwalader until October 29. At this time, orders were re-
ceived by Capt. Lewis to take charge of a detachment of men as-
signed to regiments at different stations in the Department of the
South; among them a number for the 97th P. V. He had with him,
on the return. Corps. John T. Taylor, Company A; Levis Beidler,
Company C, and Hillary Fox, Company G. They sailed on the
steamer Rebecca Clyde, from Philadelphia, October 29, and had a
stormy passage to Femandina, Fla., where the Regiment was then
stationed.
Capt. Hoopes, with Corp. Highet, Company B, and Privates
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RECORD OF RECRUITING SERVICE. 389
Abram Fawkes, Company D, and John W. Edwards, Company F,
was placed in charge of a similar detachment within a few days after
the departure of Capt. Lewis. They left Philadelphia on the trans-
port Beaufort, about November 4, for Hilton Head and Femandina,
having also detachments of men for regiments at the former place.
Capt. Lewis, with his detachment, having in charge two hundred
and eighteen substitutes and conscripts for the 97th P. V., arriyed
at Femandina, November 5, 1863; and, on November 14, Capt.
Hoopes arrived with his detachment, having in charge seventy sub-
stitutes and conscripts, a total of two hundred and eighty-eight men
for the Regiment.
An account of the means taken to land these men and bring them
into subjection to the authority of the officers is elsewhere given;
also the assignment of the men to the different companies.
About the middle of September, 1864, Col. Pennypacker, being
desirous of having the depleted ranks of his Regiment refilled, made
appUcation, at department head-quarters, to have an officer detailed
to proceed to the rendezvous for recruiting service in Pennsylvania,
to endeavor to obtain the requisite recruits, substitutes or drafted
men. For this service, Maj. I. Price, of the 97th P. V., was detailed
in the following order:
Head-Quarters Department Virginia and North Carolina,
In the Field, Virginia, September 15, 1864.
Special Order No. 264.
* * * The following named officers will proceed to
the rendezvous of their respective States for the purpose of obtain-
ing recruits or drafted men to fill up the commands to which they
belong. Their absence not to exceed fifteen days.
• • • * •
Maj. Isaiah Price, 97th Pa. Vols.
• • « * •
By command of Maj. Gen. Butler,
[Signed] R, S. Davis, A. A. G.
Head-Quarters 10th Corps, September 16, 1864.
Official.
[Signed] Charles H. Graves, A. A. G.
Head-Quarters, 2d Division, 10th Corps, September 16, 1864.
Official.
[Signed] R. A. Davis, Captain and A. A. G.
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390 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
Being delayed at Fortress Monroe several days, awaiting transpor-
tation for the discharged men of his late company, returning with
him, Maj. Price arrived in Philadelphia and reported at the draft
rendezvous, on September 26, v^hen the following endorsement was
placed upon his order:
Head-Quarters Rendezvous Drafted Men,
Philadelphia, Pa., September 26, 1864.
Official.
[Signed] Charles E. Etting, Captain and A. A. G.
Upon making application for recruits, and urging Col. Penny-
packer's desire to have the Regiment filled, Maj. Price was informed
that nothing beyond the usual course of assignment, by official di-
rection from head-quarters, was possible; that he could only file
his application and await further notice. He then proceeded to
Harrisburg, where he had an interview with Gov. Curtin, by
whom he was most cordially received. The application to have the
Regiment filled was urged to the best of his ability. The assurance
was given, by the Governor, that every effort would be made to
forward the men required to the Regiment at as early a time as
possible.
Maj. Price, having been mustered out of service, on Septem-
ber 17, 1864, was deprived of the opportunity to extend his efforts
officially beyond the time named in the order detailing him upon
this service. He had the satisfaction, however, of hearing, soon
after making his report in writmg to Col. Pennypacker, at his bri-
gade head-quarters, near Petersburg, Va., that sufficient recruits
and drafted men were received by the Regiment, at Chapin's Farm,
Va., to give it the minimum aggregate for a regiment. There were
subsequently received about four hundred and three recruits and
drafted men, at Faisson^s Station, N. C, about April 1, 1865, which
filled the Regiment to the maximum number. These men had
mostly entered the service for one year. They were discharged
with the Regiment, at Weldon, N. C, August 58, 1865.
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF FIELD OFFICERS. 391
CHAPTER XIII.
Biographical Sketches of Field Officers who Cobimanded, and
SOME OF the Staff Officers who Served with, the Ninety-
Seventh Regiment during the Most Eventful and Arduous
Period of the War.
HE history of the Ninety-Seventh Regiment would
be incomplete if, to the preceding pages, was only
added the roster of names borne upon its muster
rolls, that present briefly the record of each officer
and man who served with the Regiment.
The qualities of personal character of some of
those prominent in their connection with the com-
mand, and with the responsibilities encountered,
bear so close a relation to the brilliant achieve-
ments secured, that these may safely be said to have resulted largely
from the force of character that gave direction to the movements
of the Regiment; educating it to the highest standard of capability
as an eflfective, reliable force, thus enabling it to reach the enviable
position it occupies with the invincible host of Pennsylvania and
national troops.
To omit some more definite reference to these influences, than
could be given in connection with the narrative of the service,
would be a grave disregard of the sources from which the Regiment
derived chiefly its ability to win the good name and the opportunity
to wear the laurels that have crowned its efforts upon many fields
of service during the memorable period of the war.
It, therefore, becomes the duty as well as the pleasure of the his-
torian, to present here biographical sketches of some of those thus
closely identified with the services and success of the organization
they feel honored in having served with ; claiming only for them-
selves the motive influence of an honest, patriotic purpose, that was
alike the incentive to action of all, of whatever rank or position.
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392 rasTORY OF the ninety-seventh regiment.
who shared in the toils and duties of the camp, and encountered
together the dangers of the field. All are alike deserving in the
remembrance and the gratitude of their countrymen and of pos-
terity.
Henry R. Guss, Colonel Ninety-Seventh Regiment Pennsyl-
vania Volunteers; Brevet Brigadier General and Brevet
Major General, U. S. Vols.
Henry Ruhl Guss was born July 28, 1825, at Chester Springs,
Chester County, Pa. His father, Samuel Guss, also a native of
Chester County, was of German descent, bom July 4, 1796.
In 1836, he removed to West Chester, where he remained until his
death. May 11, 1859. He became a large property holder, and
added much to the improvement of that part of the town known as
South Walnut Street. He was well known throughout the county
and held in high esteem.
Henry R. Guss received his education at the neighboring day-
schools and at Joshua Hoopes' Academy, in West Chester. It em-
braced all the branches of a liberal English education.
Upon the organization of that well-known and favorite volunteer
company, the National Guards of West Chester, in 1846, he was
one of its first members.
On September 11, 1854, he was commissioned, by Gov. William
Bigler, as 1st lieutenant of the company, and on June 6, 1859, he
became its commanding officer, having received a commission, as
captain of the National Guards, from Gov. William F. Packer. He
continued in command until the beginning of the war. With his
company, he then entered the three months' service.
The organization was well disciplined, and one of the best mili-
tary companies of the State. Every member of the company, who
was physically able, entered the army at the outbreak of the late
rebellion, and all who remained in service during the three years'
term became officers.
When the first call for troops was issued by the President of the
United States, Capt. Guss, with the National Guards, was found
practically responding to the call. He called out the company and
received the names of all who desired to volunteer for the service.
On April 21, 1861, he left West Chester and proceeded to Har-
risburg with over three hundred as effective men as could be raised
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HENRY R. GUSS, BREVET MAJOR GENERAL, U. S. VOLS. 393
in Chester County. At Harrisburg, the men were placed in Camp
Curtin. Three companies were formed of their number and as-
signed to the 9th Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers, under
Col. Henry C. Longnecker, of Allentown, being designated as com-
panies A, E and F.
The commissioned and non-commissioned officers of these three
companies were mainly selected from the National Guards. Capt.
Guss was offered a position as colonel of another regiment, but de-
cUned acceptance, desiring to remain with the men he had brought
into the service. His commission as captain in the three months'
service was issued by Gov. A. G. Curtin, and designated him to the
command of Company A, National Guards, 9th Regiment P. V.,
1st brigade, 1st division, of- the Counties of Chester and Lancaster,
and was dated April 24, 1861.
While at Camp Curtin, Capt. Guss frequently exercised the old
members of the National Guards in the various movements, which
were so well executed that encomiums were showered upon the men
from all sides. Their proficiency in the heavy infantry drill was
conspicuous. The Guards were considered the best drilled company
in the camp during their stay at Harrisburg. Their commanding
officer had been untiring in his effi)rts to make the men proficient.
Although entering the service on April 19, 1861, Capt. Guss and
his men were not mustered until the 22d.
The 9th Regiment was first ordered to West Chester, where, in
conjunction with the 11th P. V., it was the first to occupy Camp
Wayne, preparing for the active duties of the field.
Leaving Camp Wayne, on May 26, the 9th Regiment was ordered
by railroad to Hare's Comer, at the intersection of the road leading
from Wilmington to New Castle, in the State of Delaware. After
remaining there about ten days, the regiment was ordered to join
Maj. Gen. Robert Patterson's command, at Chambersburg, Pa.,
where it arrived, by railroad, on June 7, and went into camp outside
the town. Here the regiment was brigaded With the 2d and 3d
U. S. Infty. Regiments and the 13th and 16th P. V.* It was the
4th brigade, commanded by Col. Dixson S. Miles, 2d U. S. Infty.,
in Brevet Maj. Gen. George Cadwalader's division. From this
time, to the date of its muster-out, the 9th Regiment was continually
kept on the march and counter-march. It forded the beautiful Po-
tomac River to the Virginia side, into Berkeley County. The
National Guards, headed by Capt. Guss, were the first Pennsylvania
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394 HISTORY OT THE NIKETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
troops to cross the Potomac west of Alexandria. The regiment en-
camped upon a portion of the battle ground the night following
the engagement at Falling Waters, Va.; then marched to Martins-
burg, Bunker Hill and Charlestown, encamping at each place for a
short period. The term of service having now expired, it was
ordered, from the latter place, to Harrisburg, passing through
Harper's Ferry and Hagerstown. The regiment was paid and
mustered out of service on July 29, the troops returning home.
On July 25, 1861, Capt. Guss received a commission as colonel,
with authority, from the Secretary of War, to raise a regiment for
the three years' service, in the (then) 7th Congressional District of
Pennsylvania, composed of Chester and Delaware Counties. Upon
his return home from the three months' service, he immediately set
about recruiting the same.
He was assisted in this patriotic work by several gentlemen who
had served under him in the three months' campaign, and who had
obtained some practical knowledge of the duties of a soldier, and
by some others whose co-operation he invited, from his belief in
their ability to promote his object and to render effective service.
The first company was mustered on August 22, 1861, and the last
on the 29th of October following. When the necessary equipage
was furnished, the Regiment was exercised, in company and bat-
talion drill, by Col. Guss and his field officers, with great assiduity;
inspections were regularly had, and vigorous measures taken to
make the Regiment effective. Strict discipline was enforced and
close attention paid to the cleanliness and health of the men.
The 97th P. V. was ordered to Washington, on November 16,
1861, via Philadelphia and Baltimore; thence to Fortress Monroe,
Va., and subsequently to the Department of the South. It arrived
at Hilton Head, S. C, on December 15. Here the Regiment was
brigaded in the Expeditionary Corps, under Brig. Gren. (since major
general) Horatio Gates Wright.
Col. Guss commanded his Regiment during the expedition that
resulted in the reduction of Fort Pulaski, Ga,, the occupation of
Fort Clinch, Fernandina, Jacksonville, and other important points
on and near the Florida coast, early in 1862, and through the
arduous James Island (S. C.) campaign, in the following sununer,
with marked ability, as is well attest^ by the official records. He
was highly complimented by Gen. Wright and by Col. Robert Wil-
liams (1st Mass. Cavalry), commanding brigade, for the manner in
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HENRY B. GUSS, BREVET MAJOR GENERAL, U. S. VOLS. 395
which he manoeuvered his command in action, both at Grimball's
Plantation, June 10, 1862, where he commanded the forces engaged,
repulsing the enemy, and at Secessionville, June 16, 1862. The
complimentary letter of Col. Williams to Gov. Curtin, and the
orders issued by that officer complimenting his troops, are given in
previous pages of this history.
On August 1, 1862, Col. Guss was assigned to the command of
the most important post in the department — Hilton Head — by Gen.
Hunter, which command he retained under the subsequent adminis-
trations of Gens. Brannan and Mitchel until September 22, and
from October 30 to November 10, 1862, when he returned to the
command of his Regiment. He was afterward placed in command
of the post of St. Helena Island, S. C, where his Regiment was
sent to recuperate the health of the men, many of whom were
prostrated with intermittent and yellow fevers. During his ad-
ministration as post commander, both at Hilton Head and St. He-
lena, Col. Guss made many warm friends and deservedly attached
to him his entire command and the civilians at the post; discharging
his duties to the utmost satisfaction of the commanding general.
Gen. Hunter, having decided to organize the contrabands of the
department for service as troops, orders were issued to commanders
of regiments to forward the application of such non-commissioned
officers and men as were qualified and desirous of accepting pro-
motion in the colored regiments; in complying with which Col.
Guss addressed some inquiries and suggestions to Gen. Hunter,
which elicited the following reply:
Head-Quarters Department of the South,
Hilton Head, Port Royal, S. C, March 11, 1863.
Col. H, R. Guss, Commanding 97th P. V.,
Colonel: I am instructed, by the major general commanding, to
acknowledge the receipt of your communication as to non-commis-
sioned officers of your regiment, who are recommended for commis-
sions in the South Carolina regiments now in process of being
organized, and to thank you for your kindly interest in the matter.
None of the non-commissioned officers, serving in regiments
destined to take part in pending operations in another quarter, will,
even, if selected for commissions, be relieved from duty with their
present regiments until after the termination of the operations re-
ferred to.
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396 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
The major general commanding thanks you for your suggestions,
and will be happy to make these commissions a reward for those
deserving non-commissioned officers who cannot find the promotion
earned by their merit in the regiments to which they belong.
I have the honor to be, colonel, very respectfully, your most obe-
dient servant, Charles G. Halpine,
Tenth A. C. and Dep't South. A. A. General.
When Gen. Hunter organized his second expedition against
Charleston, in April, 1863, he assigned Col. Guss to the command
of the 1st brigade in Gen. A. H. Terry's division of the 10th Corps.
Upon the return of the expedition, which was unsuccessful. Col.
Guss was ordered successively to the command of the posts of Edisto
and Botany Bay. He was relieved at the latter place by Brig. Gen.
Greorge G. Strong, in June, in order to participate in the active
movements about to be renewed in the direction of Charleston.
Upon the cessation of active operations and the withdrawal of
Gfen. Hunter's command, about May 1, 1863, before receiving notice
of his appointment to the command of Botany Bay, CoL Guss,
having served continually since November 16, 1861, applied for
twenty days' leave of absence, in order to visit his home. This ap-
plication was forwarded to Gen. Hunter's head-quarters through
Brig. Gen. T. G. StevenSon, commanding United States forces on
the Edisto. It was by G^n. Hunter referred to Brig. Gren. A. H.
Terry, for his examination and return, as follows-
E. B., 765, D. S., 1863.
Respectfully referred to Brig. Gen. A. H. Terry for his recom-
mendation. This application shows on its face that Col. Guss made
it before being aware of having been placed in command of Botany
Bay Island.
By command of Maj. Gen. Hunter,
Received May 8, 1863. Charles G. Halpine, A. A. G.
This was returned, by Gen. Terry, endorsed as follows:
Head-Quarters United States Forces, Hilton Head, S. C.
May 9, 1863.
Respectfully forwarded with the recommendation that leave be
granted to this very exemplary and deserving officer.
Alfred H. Terry,
Brig. Gen. Commanding Post.
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HENRY B. GUSS, BREVET MAJOR GENERAL, U. S. VOLS. 397
The application was returned from department head-quarters, en-
dorsed as follows:
E. B., 805, D. S., 1863.
Head-Quarters Department op the South, Hilton Head, S. C,
May 11, 1863.
Respectfully returned through Gen. Thomas G. Stevenson. The
services of Col. Guss cannot be spared, at the present time, from
the command of Botany Bay Island. # # #
By command of Maj. Gen. Hunter.
Charles G. Halpine, A. A. G.
About this time. Gen. Hunter was relieved of the command of
the department, by Brig. Gen. Q. A. .Gillmore, who immediately
commenced active operations on James, Folly and Morris Islands.
Col. Guss was again entrusted with a most important command, that
of the 1st brigade, 1st division, 10th Corps, on Morris Island, which
position te held, without interruption, during the arduous and active
operations that followed, including the assaults upon and the siege
of Forts Wagner and Gregg, in which his command actively parti-
cipated until the entire island was wrested from the enemy.
It is sufficient testimony to the courage and ability of Col. Guss,
to know that he was selected by Gen. Gillmore to lead the "forlorn
hope " in the final assault of Forts Wagner and Gregg, on the morn-
ing of September 7, 1863, the storming party to consist of the 97th
P. V. and the 3d N. H., both of his brigade. He was highly com-
plimented, by Gens. Gillmore and Terry, for his promptness and
gallantty in leading his command to the attack, the evacuation not
being discovered until his forces reached the parapet of the works.
On October 1, 1863, Col. Guss, with the 97th P. V., was ordered
to Fernandina, Fla., where he was directed to relieve the command-
ing officer at that post and to take command of the United States
forces at that place. He administered his responsible and delicate
duties courteously and impartially, to the satisfaction of both the
army and the citizens, and deservedly attained the respect and con-
fidence of the entire community. He retained command of the
post of Fernandina until April 1, 1864, when he received his first
leave of absence to accompany the re-enlisted veterans of his Regi-
ment home on a thirty days' furlough.
He rejoined the Regiment on May 14, 1864. Gen. Gillmore im-
mediately assigned him to the command of the 1st brigade, 3d divi-
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398 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
sion, 10th Corps, then with Gen. Butler's Army of the James at
Bermuda Hundred, Va.
He retained this position, during the active operations on the
south side of the James, until June 2, 1864, when, for reasons of a
personal nature — ^which being known to the officers of the Regiment,
who, while deeply regretting, admitted the necessity of the step — ^he
tendered his resignation, which was duly accepted by the command-
ing general on June 22. He accordingly returned home, parting
with the officers and men just as the Regiment was leaving camp,
at Bermuda Hundred, to return to the front of Petersburg, on June
23, 1864. All felt deeply sensible of having lost an officer who had
been to them a true friend.
In the record of the Regiment organized in the 7th Congressional
district, the people have just cause of pride; the brave and self-
sacrificing conduct of its officers and men in the field will never
be forgotten by them. But it must be borne in mind that the or-
ganization owes its formation, and in great part its subsequent effi-
ciency and good discipline, to Col. Guss, its first commanding officer,
who brought it to such a state of perfection as to entitle it to be
recognized as second to none in the old 10th Corps.
By the officers and men of his Regiment and brigade he was
highly esteemed both as a gentleman and soldier. His bravery and
patriotism in the field were only equalled by his gentlemanly deport-
ment and kindness at home. There he has always been known as
an unpretending and unobtrusive citizen; in the service he was dis-
tinguished as an unpretending yet efficient soldier. The charac-
teristics that made him popular at home served him better in the
field, being emphatically a man of deeds, not words. Deeds there
availed far more than words. He was in all the battles, skirmishes,
sieges and captures in which his command was engaged until his
discharge. In action he was cool and brave, and always ma-
noeuvered his troops to the best advantage. He was one of the
senior colonels from Pennsylvania, who entered the three years'
service, and was one of the most efficient officers, as a brigade com-
mander, in the old 10th Corps.
On May 21, 1867, upon the recommendation of the Hon. John
M. Broomall, member of Congress from the district. Col. Guss re-
ceived promotion from the Secretary of War, Hon. Edwin M. Stan-
ton, to brevet brigadier general, and on June 17, 1867, to brevet
major general U. S. Vols, to date from March 13, 1865, "for feithfiil
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Skippack in 1774 and purchased a mill on Pickering Creek, in
Chester County. He was a hishop of the sect of Mennonites, a
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G. PENNYPACKER, BREVET MAJOR GENERAL, U. S. ARMY. 399
and meritorious services in the field during the war," commissions
being received August 5, 1867. The following is the letter of Mr.
Broomall, upon which these promotions were issued:
Washington, D. C, May 17, 1867.
Hon. Edwin M. Stanton.
Sir: I have the honor most respectfully to ask that the brevet
appointments of Brigadier and Major General of Volunteers may
be conferred on Henry R. Guss, late colonel of the 97th Regiment
Pa. Vols., a gallant and brave officer, for meritorious services in the
field during the war.
Enclosed please find a short statement of the services of Col.
Guss, which I hope may meet favorable consideration.
[Signed] John M. Broomall, M. C.
Gren. Guss continues to reside in West Chester, which has always
been his home, where he is respected as a worthy unobtrusive citi-
zen, who never sought or held civil office.
Galusha Penntpacker, Colonel Ninety-Seventh P. V., Briga-
dier General and Brevet Major General, U. S. V.; Colonel
Sixteenth Infantry, U. S. Army, and Brevet Brigadier
General . and Brevet Major General, U. S. Army.
The primogenitor of the family of Pennypacker, in America, was
Heinrich Pannebacker, who was born in March, 1674, probably
near Crefelt, on the Rhine, emigrated to Pennsylvania prior to the
year 1702, and settled on Skippack Creek, in Philadelphia (now
Montgomery) County.
Heinrich was naturalized in 1730, and died April 4, 1754, aged
eighty years and two weeks. His descendants settled principally in
the adjacent counties of Montgomery, Berks and Chester, though
various members of the later generations found their way into Vir-
ginia, Kentucky, Tennessee and Mississippi, their names being found
upon the records of those States in connection with positions of im-
portance and trust. Some of the family have left their names upon
the rolls, showing that they had served their country during the
Revolutionary contest and the War of 1812-15.
Matthias Pennypacker, a grandson of Heinrich, removed from
Skippack in 1774 and purchased a mill on Pickering Creek, in
Chester County. He was a bishop of the sect of Mennonites, a
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400 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
man of extensive authority and influence, of great benevolence and
justice, of whom it is recorded that " to needy neighbors and strug-
gling young men, who came to borrow of his substance, he loaned
freely, without interest and without taking note, bond or mortgage.
Toward the close of his life He declared that through this practice he
had never lost a penny."*
Joseph J. Pennypacker, grandson of Matthias, was the father of
Gralusha, the subject of the present sketch. He resided, during the
early life of his son, near Valley Forge. He subsequently served
as volunteer aid-de-camp upon the staff of Maj. Gten. Worth, during
the Mexican war, after which he became a resident of California.
His mother, a lady of wealth and many accomplishments, was
Tamson A. Workizer, the only daughter of John and Sarah A.
Workizer, of Valley Forge. She died when her son (the only child)
was three years old. Galusha was bom, June 1, 1842, at the his-
toric locality of Valley Forge, in a house occupied by Gen. Wash-
ington during a portion of the time his troops were encamped in
that vicinity and where so many privations were encountered and
hardships endured, calculated to impress the very soil with fitting
influences for the nurture of future patriots. His boyhoodx^was
passed on a farm near Phoenixville, Pa., under the care of his *pa-
temal grandmother, Elizabeth F. Pennypacker, whose faithful train-
ing and guardianship contributed largely to qualify him for the
eminent service he has rendered his country.
He received a liberal academical education in Chester County.
At the instance of his grandmother, Ke had entered the office of the
Chester County Times, at West Chester, to learn the printing busi-
ness, with a view toward an editorial career, and was soon entrusted
with the charge of a column devoted to matters of youthful interests.
He, however, was about to commence the study of law, at the age
of eighteen years, when the rebellion broke out in 1861.
His " youthful tastes and natural bent" being toward a military
life, he had, while a printer boy, joined the volunteer company of
National Guards, at West Chester, commanded by Capt. (afterward
colonel and brevet major general) H. R. Guss, which was one of
the first to respond to the call of the President for troops. The
drill and discipline of this company, through the efforts of its com-
mander, had reached a point of excellence second to none in the
♦Annals of Phoenixville and Vicinity, by Samuel W. Pennypacker, Esq.
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G. PENNYPACKER, BREVET MAJOR GENERAL, V. S. ARMY. 401
State. Pennypacker, therefore, soon became thoroughly proficient
in the various movements, evolutions and discipline requisite to the
perfection of soldierly training.
The writer's first acquaintance with the subject of this sketch
began, in the printing office, previous to the war. Frequent business
transactions with the office gave opportunity for observing his de-
portment and business qualities. These were noticed to be of the
first order, evincing reliability in whatever depended upon his care.
It became preferable to entrust the required business to his hands,
thereby insuring its prompt and correct fulfillment. His life out-
side the printing office had also been somewhat observed. His de-
portment was ever genial, cheerful, correct and manly in all respects,
indicating a healthy and robust nature that enjoyed life fully, with
heart and conscience untroubled and unembittered by any evil in-
fluences. After three years of active service together, with better
opportunity for observation, these qualities were found to be the
leading distinguishing traits in his military career, contributing
largely to that success in the performance of every duty, which has
secured for him unperishing fame and honor as one of the nation^s
defenders.
In the wider, more arduous and responsible sphere of duty upon
the field, there was called forth every energy of his young and
ardent nature, in the fulfiUment of trusts from which more expe-
rienced heads and maturer years might well shrink. To these he
brought the same prompt energy and application that characterized
hjs earlier work, and accepted the sterner duties which the pa-
triotism of his heart recognized as demanding the best efforts of
his life.
These observations are recalled, at the threshold of this sketch of
his militarji service, not for the mere purpose of eulogy, but to
indicate those qualities that had been recognized, appreciated and
regarded with great satisfaction when entering the service, as giving-
assurance of reliability in the officer selected to fill the third place
in command of the Regiment.
When the news of the firing upon Fort Sumter reached West
Chester, that locality shared in the general uprising of a loyal
people in defence of nationality.
Young Pennypacker, then in his nineteenth year, was one of the
number who marched with Capt. H. R. Guss' Company to Harris-
burg in response to the call of the President for troops. He had
26
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402 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
previously been appointed a sergeant in the National Guards. The
company was assigned to the 9th P. V., and designated as Company
A. Upon the organization of the 9th Regiment, at Harrisburg, on
April 22, Sergt. Pennypacker was appointed quarter-master sergeant
of the regiment, declining the Ist lieutenancy of Company A, on
account of his youth, which position his company had elected him
to fill — and was acting regimental quarter-master during most of the
three months' service. He brought to the discharge of the duties
of his position such admirable administrative ability and attention
as elicited approbation from the entire command.
The regiment being assigned to the command of Maj. Gen.
Robert Patterson, advanced with his column into Maryland and was
engaged in the defence of the border counties of Pennsylvania and
Maryland; principally in the vicinity of Williamsport, Harper's
Ferry, Martinsburg and other localities on the Upper Potomac.
On. July 29, 1861, Qr. Mr. Sergt. Pennypacker was honorably
discharged with his regiment at Harrisburg, upon the expiration
of its term of service.
While returning to West Chester, he received authority, from
Col. H. R. Guss, to enlist the first company for a regiment that
officer had been authorized by the Secretary of War to recruit.
Such was the confidence in his capacity and disci^etion as to prompt
his selection for the first place in the line of company officers.
Gathering about him some of the best young men who had shared
in the three months' campaign, Capt. Pennypacker began the or-
ganization of his company. ,
On August 22, 1861, he was mustered into the service of the
United States, for three years, as captain of Company A, 97th
P. v., with eighty-three men, and on August 30 his company was
filled to the maximum number. •
It first encamped in Everhart's Grove, West Chester, where it
was properly organized and equipped, under his personal super-
vision, and entered upon the course of drill and discipline which
soon made it one of the most efficient companies in the service.
Upon the occupation of Camp Wayne, after the organization of other
companies for the Regiment, Capt. Pennypacker was placed in com-
mand of the camp, thus entering upon a more extended range of
duties and responsibilities. To these it was soon apparent he would
bring that earnest and persistent attention to every detail of duty
requisite to and which becomes an essential element in all success.
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G. PENNYPACKER, BREVET; MAJOR GENERAL, U. S. ARMY. 403
Immediately after being mustered into the service, Capt. Penny-
packer was authorized, by Lieut. Col. (since brevet brigadier general)
C. F. Ruff, U. S. A., mustering officer at Philadelphia, to muster
the officers and men of the remaining companies of the Regiment,
which service he performed to the entire satisfaction of that officer.
Soon after the occupation of Camp Wayne, Capt Pennypacker
was designated major of the Regiment, by Col. H. R. Guss, in which
grade he was mustered on October 7, 1861.
As other companies were being orgemized, Maj. Pennypacker
gave attention to the proper making out of requisitions for subsis-
tence for the troops, for the arms, accoutrements and equipment of
the men, and for the necessary camp and garrison equipage for
the Regiment, and to the proper distribution thereof to the com-
pames. Giving instructions to the company officers relative to the
accounts to be kept, and the necessary vouchers, etc., to be filed for
future and final settlement of their responsibilities to the govern-
ment; he was careful to impress upon each officer under his command
the importance of this duty and the necessity for perservation of
the original mustef rolls and records of their companies.
His experience as acting qu8urter-master in the three months'
service — applied efficiently and practically, as Maj. Pennypacker
always applied whatever ability he possessed, to the advancement
of every purpose or duty devolving upon him — ^was of eminent ad-
vantage to the Regiment. In addition to other duties at Camp
Wayne, Maj. Pennypacker found time to devote much attention to
the preliminary drill and preparation requisite to qualify the Regi-
ment fot active service. In the prompt attention given to every
detail of duty there was manifest a proficiency from which it was
evident, before leaving Camp Wayne, that should the exigencies
of the service devolve the command of the Regiment upon its junior
field officer, he would be found in every respect competent and
qualified.
Leaving Camp Wayne, November 16, 1861, his Regiment was
first ordered to Washington ; thence, afler a few days, to Fortress
Monroe, Va., remaining there until December 8, 1861 ; then ordered
to the Department of the South, arriving at Port Royal, S. C,
December 16, joined the troops at Hilton Head, S. C. In the
transfer of the Regiment, from the points named, Maj. Pennypacker
^was prompt in co-operation with his commanding officer and ren-
dered efficient aid in the embarking and disembarking of the troops.
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404 BISTORT OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
During the voyage to Port Royal, prolonged several days beyond
the usual time by a storm, Maj. Pennypacker's presence among
the men, in his round of inspecting their quarters and condition,
was greeted with such pleasure as men fresh from their homes, in
their first experiences with the hardships and privations attending
the new duties before them, naturally would welcome the pleasant
face and the cheering word that manifested an interest in their
welfare, on the part of their young commander, who had already
won their confidence and regard.
In January, 1862, he was detailed upon a general court-martial,
convened at Hilton Head, S. C, by order of Gen. Sherman.
With his Regiment, in Gen. H. G. Wright's brigade, he partici-
pated in the operations against, Fort Pulaski, with that portion of
the force that jengaged the attention of the enemy at Warsaw Sound,
Ga. The troops remained upon the vessel for several weeks; much
fatal sickness ensued. Under such circumstances, with the best
care and discipline, men often become more or less demoralized in
feeling toward those having command over them. In those trying
days, the presence and influence of Maj. Pennypacker, young in
years yet ripe in the wisdom of feeling for those under his command,
was ever salutary and inspiring; disarming discontent and repining
at inevitable discomfort, by the kind interest and appreciation mani-
fested in efforts to relieve, as far as possible, their condition. When
passing among the men, on the transports, it was evident in every
face, that met the genial, youthful glow of his, how welcome his
presence was to them. This testimony is borne by many in the
ranks. Yet he was always decided and firm in all the requirements
of duty, exacting rigorous and faithful performance thereof from
every oflicer and soldier under his command, securing the confidence
and respect af all.
Fort Clinch, Femandina and Jacksonville, Fla., were next occu-
pied by Gen. Wright's forces. At the latter place, Maj. Penny-
packer was engaged with his Regiment upon important duty at the
front, as picket guard, reconnoitering the enemy's position, and in
repelling their attempts to regain possession of the place.
In command of scouting parties, Maj. Pennypacker manifested
energy and efficiency becoming one of maturer years. He also co-
operated actively with his commander, CoL H. R, Guss, in keeping
up the regular drill and discipline of the command at that post,%
within sound of the drums in the enemy's camp. Following the
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G. PENNTPACKER, BKBVBT MAJOR GENERAL, U. S. ARMY. 405
evacuation of Jacksonville, Gen. Wright^s brigade was ordered to
North Edisto to prepare for the advance upon Charleston, S. C.
During these movements, Maj. Pennypacker was constantly upon
duty with his Eegiment. By close and careful study of the pre-
scribed military tactics and the revised army regulations, he had
thoroughly qualified himself for every duty which he might be
called upon to fulfill. He was, therefore, prepared to exercise the
Regiment, and if need be the brigade, in the most intricate move-
ments with the readiness of a veteran officer.
In the first advance upon Charleston, early in June, 1862, he
marched with his Regiment across John's Island, S. C, and was
with it upon the reconnoissance, made on the left flank of the ad-
vancing column, on June 7, to ascertain the position and strength
of the enemy, and was engaged in the skirmish with their cavalry
scouts, when some prisoners were captured.
During the occupation of James Island, S. C, from June 9 to
July 6, 1862, he was constantly engaged upon active duty in the
presence of the enemy, whose lines were quite close to our own.
The picket duty was rendered most arduous and perilous, by the un-
usual severity of the firing on both sides and the evident determi-
nation of the rebels to render the occupation of James Island most
difficult and precarious; the rebel forces frequently attacking the
lines during the night with great vigor. Maj. Pennypacker was
always present with his Regiment when detailed upon this duty and
contributed, in a great degree, by his coolness and unflinching
courage, to secure the steady and unwavering line which the 97th
P. V. always presented to the enemy.
On June 10 and 16, in the actions at Grimball's Plantation and
Secession ville, Maj. Pennypacker was at his post, actively co-ope-
rating with his brave and. judicious commander. Col. H. R. Guss,
and by his self possession and admirable bearing in the thickest of
the fight, was an influence of inspiration and courage to the men,
tending largely to secure the brilliant record made by the Regiment
upon both occasions. The details of these actions being fully given,
in other pages of this work, will make unnecessary any further
reference here.
In the engagement at Secessionville, when the disaster of an un-
successful assault became a test to both officers and men, Maj.
Pennypacker was remarked for his calm, clear and cool judgment
and bearing in the performance of his duty, thereby increasing the
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406 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVBNTH REGIMENT.
confidence already felt in him as an officer whom reverses could not
swerve from any duty or danger.
Upon the evacuation of James Island, Gen. Wright's brigade
again occupied Edisto. A short interval of relief from active ser-
vice ensued, during which Maj. Pennypacker rendered efficient as
sistance in perfecting the training and discipline of his Regiment,
to prepare it for still more effective usefulness in the field.
On August 18, 1862, the Regiment returned to Hilton Head,
S. C. Col. Guss being assigned to the command of that post and
Lieut. Col. Duer detailed upon court-martial, at Beaufort, S. C, the
command of the Regiment devolved upon Maj. Pennypacker, the
duties of which were fulfilled with marked ability and fidthfulness.
An incident may serve to show the estimation he had unobtru
sively gained with officers of rank and influence in the department,
who had observed him in the performance of his official duties.
The writer being present at a meeting of officers serving in the de-
partment— convened at that post, by the lamented Maj. Gen. O. M.
Mitchel, for the purpose of personal acquaintance and intercourse
with the officers of his command — ^was conversing with Col. H. R.
Guss when Brig. Gen. (now major general) A. H. Terry came up
and* exchanged salutations of friendly greeting with both. He im-
mediately inquired for Maj. Pennypacker, who had not yet arrived.
He then said, " Colonel, you have a most excellent and deserving
officer in Maj. Pennypacker; I like him very much; he will make
his mark in the service or I am very much mistaken."
During the winter of 1862-63, Uttle of importance occurred to
note in this sketch; Maj. Pennypacker, with his Regiment, was
performing such duties as pertained to his rank during an ordinary
campaign.
In January, 1863, h/e Was detailed upon a general court-martial,
at Beaufort, S. C, and was engaged in the trial of an important
case, growing out of the conffict of authority between the civil and
military jurisdictions, during the administration of Gen. Rufus
Saxton, Territorial Governor of South Carolina.
In February, 1863, Maj. Pennypacker was detailed as a member
of the board of examiners of officers, for the Department of the
South— of which board G^n. A. H. Terry was President — and was
engaged in that service until relieved in April following. His
selection for this service was in recognition of the eminent qualifi-
cation he brought to this service with the board.
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G. PENNTPACKER, BREVET MAJOR GENERAL, U. S. ARMY. 407
In the second campaign against Charleston, which began in May,
1863, by the reoccupation of Edisto and John's Islands, the com-
mand ol the Regiment more frequently devolved upon its major,
Col. Guss being assigned to the comyiand of a brigade and lieut.
Col. Duer detailed upon court-martial and other detached service.
On April 22, the Regiment was transferred from Col. Guss' to
Brig. Gen. T. G. Stevenson's brigade, at Seabrook Point, on John's
Island, much against the wishes of the colonel and the entire Regi-
ment; but, acquiescence in orders being a part of every soldier's
duty, it became the pleasure also of officers and men to endeavor to
show, by their prompt and cheerful compliance with every duty
under their new commander, that the Regiment could prove its re-
liability by endeavoring to attain the first place in his regard and
confidence, which it had hitherto held in that of previous brigade
commanders. Toward this effort, Maj. Pennypacker devoted every
stimulant of precept and example. He soon became known
throughout the command as a most able and efficient officer, whose
ambition and determination were to make his Regiment thoroughly
proficient in every requirement of military duty. He instituted a
most thorough and exact performance of guard duty, strictly in ac-
cordance with the prescribed regulations, and entered upon a daily
course of drill and discipline of the Regiment, in battalion and bri-
gade movements, which received the attention and secured the
hearty commendation of Gen. Stevenson, the brigade commander.
Both officers and men were held up to the highest point of pro-
ficiency, by his personal influence, in the exact fulfillment of every
duty. With such a commander the Regiment could lose none of
its efficiency acquired under its able and worthy colonel.
While at Seabrook Point, the picket duty was performed by the
regiments in turn, remaining at the front for a week continuously.
The enemy were in close proximity and made frequent demon-
strations of attack, resulting in a brisk action on June 18, 1863.
For the rapid, orderly and prompt march of his Regiment, more
than two and a half miles to the support of the line attacked, Maj.
Pennypacker received the thanks of Gen. Stevenson after the re-
pulse of the enemy.
The second occupation of James Island, in July, 1863, was at-
tended by the same arduous and perilous duty as the preceding
year. Maj. Pennypacker, with his Regiment, was upon active duty
with Gen. Terry's division, and participated in the engagement at
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408 HISTORY OP THE NINBTT-SEVENTH REGIMBNT.
Stevens' Landing, on July 16, when the enemy made a desperate
but fruitless attempt to drive Gen. Terry's forces from the island.
The next link in the record we are tracing was the campaign
upon Morris Island, S. C. ^ During Gen. Terry's operations on
James Island, Gen. Q. A. Gillmore had succeeded in obtaining pos-
session of the southern end of Morris Island, having secretly erected
earthworks upon the north end of Folly Island, which gave him
command of the position. This was followed by the advance upon,
and unsuccessful assault of Fort Wagner on the evening of the 14th
of July.
A second assault occurred on the night of July 18, in which the
97th P. V. participated, with Gen. Stevenson's brigade, and was
engaged, after the assault became a disaster, during the remainder
of the night in maintaining a defensive line at the front and in se-
curing the wounded from the slopes and about the palisades of the
work. Maj. Pennypacker participated actively with his Regiment,
during the action, and^Temgfined with it at the front until relieved,
at dark, on the ensuing night.
Gren. Gillmore then determined to reduce Forts Wagner and
Gregg by a regular line of approaches across the low marshy sand
flats in front of the former formidable work.
During this siege^ — the most remarkable in history, for difficulties
of a character generally regarded insurmountable, by any previously
adopted processes — there was encountered every conceivable duty
which a soldier had been supposed capable of meeting, either in or
out of the service, in improvising means to secure the desired ob-
ject. Every duty, every difficulty and danger was promptly and
cheerfully met by both officers and men. The entire history of that
siege can never be written as it was made in the record of duty per-
formed by the humblest soldier, whose name may be unknown, but
whose hands toiled, digging in the trenches, during those long, hot
and weary days, weeks and months, working by day and by night,
stealthily eluding rebel bullets, and the iron hail from the parapet
of the rebel fort, which swept every foot of the level surface of that
island beach, barely rising three feet above the tide that washed
its margin — ^progressing slowly and silently, piling up zigzag lines of
approach, making ready a way and shelter, behind which brave and
determined men were to crawl, preparing for the final spring to con-
test possession of the rebel stronghold — ^until at last, on a bright
moonlight September night, the protecting sap was projected so
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G. PENNTPAC5KEB, BREVET MAJOR GENERAL, IT. S. ARMY. 409
close to the moat environing the fort, that the sand, thrown up from
the busy shovels, to form the wall of defence, sliding down the re*
verse slope, caused a ripple in the water of the moat that told
the men their work with shovels was finished^ and now the bayonet
must open the door unto which those more peaceful implements had
made the way.
Of this character was the service in which Maj. Pennypacker
participated, in command of his Regiment, until about July 24,
when he was prostrated by illness consequent upon the unsparing
devotion of his whole ability to the performance of duty.
The resignation of the senior captain had brought the writer
next in rank to the major; consequently, in the absence or disability
of that officer, the command of the Regiment devolved upon him-
self^ the lieutenant colonel being absent upon detached service.
The new and more responsible duties were rendered less for-
midable and more familiar by the counsel and support of Maj.
Pennypacker, and by his presence in the camp, where he preferred
to remain, unwilling to leave the front during the progress of such
important movements, when his increasing illness compelled him
to suspend active duty.
On the night of the contemplated final assault upon Fort Wagner,
the officers in command of brigades and regiments were convened,
by order of Gen. Gillmore, at Gen. Terry's head-quarters, for the
purpose of receiving personal instruction as to the duty each was
to perform in the assault. Maj. Pennypacker, although unable for
duty, was quite desirous of attending, but, being reported sick upon
the roster, the notice had been sent to Capt. Price. Fearing the
exposure of the night, it was urged that his strength was inade-
quate, and he was reluctantly convinced of the necessity of yielding
his privilege of senior officer, lest his attending the call at head-
quarters might frustrate his intention of leading the Regiment in
the proposed assault in the morning. This he persisted in being
allowed to do, in co-operation with, rather than supersede the writer
in command.
As as instance demonstrating his close observance of every detail
of orders relative to the performance of duty, it may be stated in this
connection that, after returning from Gen. Terry's head-quarters,
Capt. Price visited Maj. Pennypacker 's tent at his request to report
the orders, when, in his quaint and direct way of questioning
and getting at the eoccLct scope of every order he was concerned in
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410 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
executing, he was soon as thoroughly in possession of Gens. Gill-
more and Terry's arrangement of the part to be performed by the
97th P. V. in the assault, as the officer who had received the orders
was capable of stating them. This determination, not only to
thoroughly tmderstand what he was expected to do himself, but to
have those of whom he expected the performance of any duty un-
derstand it also, was ever a distinguishing trait from his manner of
impressing those who received an order from him, with the necessity
of exactness in understanding so 8ts to insure faithfulness in the per-
formance.
The advance upon Fort Wagner at 2 A. M. on the 7th, when it
was found to be evacuated, was followed by an immediate advance of
the forces upon Fort Gregg; Maj. Pennypacker was one of the first
to mount the sides of that work, bearing the flag of his Regiment,
before it was known to be evacuated. After the occupation of these
works, Maj. Pennypacker remained unable for active duty, his ill-
ness being of intermittent type, rendering change of climate neces-
sary to restore his broken health. Upon the earnest recommends^
tions of his medical advisers, he at length consented to receive a sick
leave of absence, which being granted at department head-quarters,
on September 23, 1863, he returned to West Chester.
He rejoined the Regiment at Femandina, Fla., November 13,
1863, and was placed in command of five companies of the Regi-
ment encamped in that city.
Maj. Pennypacker was also assigned, by Col. H. R. Gnss, com-
manding post, to the charge of the school for the instruction of the
officers of his command. To this duty he brought the same earnest
attention and adequate ability which had hitherto been observed.
The benefit of this instruction was soon manifest in the decided im-
provement noticed in officers previously regarded good and efficient.
About November 16, 1863, Maj. Pennypacker was detailed as
president of a general court-martial, convened at Femandina, Fla.,
which, having but one case for consideration, closed after sitting
three days. He was again detailed president of a court-martial, at
Feinandina, Fla., December, 1863. This court continued its ses-
sions through January and part of February, 1864. Several very
important and intricate cases were tried before it, including four for
desertion, in all of which the findings of the court were approved
at department head-quarters. As president of these courts, Maj.
Pennypacker displayed a clearness of preception, judgment and
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6. PENNTPACKEB, BREVET MAJOR GENERAL, U. S. ARMT. 411
thorough knowledge of military requirements, precedents, etc., that
gave him perfect readiness in deciding important questions such as
arise in every court-martial. These qualities, joined with the solid
common sense, so large an element in his life and character, gave
to his views and decisions, so unpretendingly presented, an influence
rarely found in one so young.
On February 9, 1864, Maj. Pennypacker led a detachment of
three hundred men of his Regiment in a night march of thirty
miles, to surprise and capture the rebel Camp Cooper, near Bald-
win's Station, on the Florida Railroad; and, on February 14, with
about the same force, made a successful advance into the enemy's
country, upon the St. Mary's River, Gra , securing thereby a large
amount of valuable lumber for use in the department. These ope-
rations are fully set forth in the narrative of the Regiment. In both
expeditions, Maj. Pennypacker moved his troops witlf such secrecy,
celerity and order as to secure the object of his march and, by his
judicious care in preventing the disaflFected inhabitants from giving
notice of his approach to the enemy, demonstrated his ability as a
commander to whom might safely be entrusted any expedition, how-
ever important, to penetrate the enemy's country.
In February, 1864, efforts were being made to induce the men of
the regiments in the department, who had served over two years,
to re-enlist as veterans for the war. In furtherance of this object,
Maj. Pennypacker assured the men of his Regiment, who thus re-
enhsted, of his readiness to remain with them, as their commander,
if they desired it.
When the veterans returned home, on furlough, accompanied by
Col. H. R. Guss, the command of the post of Femandina, Fla., de-
volved upon Maj. Pennypacker. In the discharge of the duties of
post commandant, Maj. Pennypacker was courteous, judicious and
discreet in all official and personal intercourse; in the administration
of his command, holding every department up to the highest at-
tainable point of efficiency and order. He remained in command
mi til April 22, 1864, when the Regiment was relieved from duty
by the 157th N. Y., commanded by Col. P. P. Brown.
Upon being relieved, the embarkation of Maj. Pennypacker 's
force, at Femandina, upon a small transport steamer, the Monohan-
sett, was accomplished with the promptitude which usually attended
every systematized purpose, matured and executed by the efficient
young commander of the 97th P. V. In less than twenty-four
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412 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
hours from the arrival of the relieving force, he had collected his
command, from stations scattered over a circuit of from ten to four-
teen miles, had caused the accounts and responsibilities of every
officer holding official position — provost marshal, with over one
hundred and twenty-five prisoners and many property accountabili-
ties in his charge; post quarter-master, post commissary, ordnance
officer and others holding important charges — to be duly and offi-
cially transferred in proper form, with the necessary vouchers, etc.,
and his command marched to the landing and embarked ready for
the voyage.
With his Regiment, he reported to Gen. A. H. Terry for orders,
at Hilton Head, April 26, and was, by that officer, directed to join
Gen. Butler's forces at Gloucester Point, Va., where the James
River expedition was being organized.
Upon thetresignation of Lieut. Col. A. P. Duer, April 3, 1864,
Maj. Pennypacker was recommended, by Col. H. R. Guss, for pro-
motion. His commission as lieutenant colonel was issued by Gov.
Curtin, to rank from April 3, 1864, but owing to delay, consequent
upon the active movements at the front, it was not received until
near June 1, 1864.
Upon landing at Gloucester Point, April 28, Lieut. Col. Penny-
packer's command was again assigned to the old 10 th Corps, being
placed in the 1st brigade, 3d division (Ames'). The brigade at that
time was commanded by Col. Richard White, of the 55th P. V.
At Gloucester Point, Lieut. Col. Pennypacker availed himself of
every opportunity to prepare his Regiment for the active duty it
was again about to enter upon. Company and battalion drill, bayonet
exercise and the skirmish drill were resumed; in battalion drill
each company, in turn, was deployed as skirmishers, to perfect the
officers and men in such service. These movements were conducted
with the skill of one completely master of every movement in de
tail. In the review of the troops of Gen. Butler's command, on
April 30, 1864, Lieut. Col. Pennypacker's Regiment was found tho-
roughly prepared in the requisite movements, in consequence of the
regular course of drill and discipline continually maintained rather
than by any special effort for the occasion.
During the advance of the Army of the James, in command of
his Regiment, he participated with all the movements upon the
enemy's lines, and led the advance upon the Richmond and Peters-
burg Railroad, when Lee's communications between those cities were
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6. PENNTPAGKER, BREVET MAJOR GENERAL, U. S. ARMT. 413
severed, May 8, leading his Regiment in action, on the same day,
at Swift Creek, advancing under a heavy fire close to the enemy's
lines, to cover the operations of the artillery that had taken
position at a point of great danger of capture. By his bearing and
courage he held the line against the repeated efforts of the enemy
to drive his force back. To reach this position, Lieut. Col. Penny-
packer had marched his men, under a brisk fire of musketry and
shell, moving with a celerity and promptness that elicted the ad-
miration of those who witnessed his advance. For more than half
an hour, under a continuous fire, he held his command in steady
line, through the influence of his own collected calmness of manner,
which impressed both officers and men with something of his own
steadfastness. Several were wounded and carried to the rear, but
the unbroken line stood firmly, a wall of flint interposed as a pro-
tectmg barrier against a charge upon the artillery from the rebel
lines only a few paces off.
Lieut. Col. Pennypacker again led his Regiment, on the 9th, in
a forced march of seven miles, to support Gen. Terry, then engaged
by a superior rebel force, near Fort Darling; and again in action,
on the 14th, at Drury's Bluff, and near Fort Darling, where his
Regiment held the extreme left of the advance and assisted at the
capture of the enemy's outer lines near that work.
Gren. Butler's forces again became engaged with the enemy on
the morning of the 16th; when, suddenly, in greatly superior force,
they made a furious assault upon the right of his lines; a fierce
engagement ensued. Being additionally threatened, by a large force
advancing upon his rear and left flank, Lieut. Col. Pennypacker
was ordered to march his Regiment, as rapidly as possible, down
the Wier Bottom Church Road, to join the 13th Ind., to obstruct
the advance of Gen. Beauregard's forces, and hold them in check
until the troops of Gen. Butler could be safely withdrawn and dis-
posed for future operations. A detailed account of the successful
accomplishment of the purpose entrusted to Lieut. Col. Penny-
packer is given in the history of the Regiment. Having thrown
his force across the path of the advancing enemy, they were held in
check for nearly half a day, during which time Gen. Butler's forces
were safely withdrawn to the intrenchments. Through presenting
a bold front and keeping up the appearance of strength by a judi-
cious disposition of a very small force, he had saved the Army of
the James from a most serious disaster. In this affair, Lieut. Col.
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414 HISTORY OP THE NINBTT-SEVBNTH REGIMBNT.
Pennypacker displayed powers of a high order. Strategy found' a
ready solution of the embarrassing difficulties arising from the in-
adequacy of numbers, and the completeness of his success was re-
markable. It would have been honor sufficient to have crowned
with laurels the commander of any brigade which had alone been
fortunate enough to thus hold in check one of the chief generals of
the rebel forces.
Lieut. Col. Pennypacker led his Regiment, on May 18, 1864, in
a brilliant charge, under a brisk fire from the enemy, at Foster's
Place, regaining a portion of the line from which the pickets
of the 8th Maine had been driven in the morning. Holding the
position, Lieut. Col. Pennypacker and his force were exposed to the
fire of the enemy during the entire day; personally assuring him-
self of every point of the line, he encouraged his men to steadi-
ness and efficiency. The events of that day alone were sufficient to
place the 97th P.* V. and its brave young commander in the front
rank of our country's defenders. The Regiment lost in the action
nineteen killed and thirty-eight wounded.
On May 20, Gen. Pickett's (rebel) division assaulted and reoccu-
pied this line, which had been left with a very inferior force, dis-
tributed at intervals of three paces. In consequence of grave mis-
apprehension of the force of the enemy, Lieut. CoL Pennypacker
was ordered, with about three hundred men of his Regiment, to
charge upon the position — his force totally inadequate, yet, in obe-
dience to orders, that officer led his gallant band into the jaws
of death with that determined resolution which animates the true
soldier to conquer or die. The charge was made in unwavering
line across the level, known as Green Plains. The enemy for a time
reserved his fire, then opened a most fearful and destructive
storm of iron hail from hundreds of muskets and with grape and
canister from six pieces of artillery, but still the gallant young officer
led his men forward, their ranks rapidly thinning, until having nearly
crossed the open space, two-thirds of his men had Mien and him-
self three times wounded, it became apparent that none could reach
the enemy's lines alive. The order to retire was given and the rem-
nant came back in order, bearing their wounded leader to the shel-
ter of a ravine for safety. Perhaps no affair of the war presents a
more brilliant attempt at fiilfilment of orders against such fearfiil
odds. The charge has its only parallel in that of the fiimous Six
Hundred at Balaklava. There could be no more brilliant or fatal
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G. PENNTPACKER, BREVET MAJOR GENERAL, U. S. ARMY. 416
record than this which cost the 97th P. V. the loss of so many of
its brave and noble young men, cut down in a moment, the sad
result of a most unwarranted and fearful blunder on the part of the
officer who ordered the charge that sent less than three hundred
men against one of the best divisions of the rebel army, intrenched
and with six pieces of artillery in position.
Lieut. Col. Pennypacker's wounds disabled him from service for
nearly three months. He received surgical attention at the general
hospital at Fortress Monroe, and, when partially recovered, returned
to West Chester until convalescent.
The account of this action, given in the narrative of the Regi-
ment, also sets forth the action of the officers of the Regiment in
refiitation of the attempts that were made to escape the responsi-
biUty of the disaster, by casting the blame of not understanding
the order, upon the gallant officer who led the charge. He only
too faithfully understood and obeyed the orders that were proven as
given upon the field.
Upon the occasion of Lieut. Col. Pennypacker's return to West
Chester, when sufficiently recovered from his wounds, he was pre-
sented, by the citizens with an elegant sword, sash and belt, as a
testimonial of their appreciation of his faithful and meritorious
services.
Lieut. Col. Pennypacker rejoined his Regiment, at Poster's Place,
Bermuda Hundred., on August 12, 1864, being still somewhat disa-
bled in the use of his right arm. He resumed the command of his
Regiment on the 14th, having been mustered, upon his commis-
sion as lieutentant colonel, on the day after his arrival in the depart-
ment.
Upon the resignation of Col. H. R. Guss, on the 23d of June
preceding, Lieut. Col. Pennypacker was commissioned as colonel of
the Regiment, to which rank, on August 16, 1864, he was, by order
of the Secretary of War, mustered by Capt. T. E. Lord, mustering
officer of the division.
Col. Pennypacker again entered upon active duty at the front.
The Army of the James had commenced operations on the north
side of that river. On August 14, the enemy were encountered at
Deep Bottom. At 11 P. M., in command of the centre of the bri-
gade (the 76th and 97th P. V.), he was ordered to advance close up
to the enemy's lines and hold a position of importance, in support
of the 2d Corps, which made a successfiil assault upon the enemy's
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416 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
works at daylight on the 16th. He then led his Regiment in
action upon the left of the forces and occupied a position exposed
to the enemy's batteries during the day and night following.
On the 16th, he again led his Regiment in the action at Straw-
berry Plains, Va., near the Malvern Hill Road, driving the enemy
from their line of intrenchments. His Regiment was ordered to re-
main with a portion of Gen. W. Bimey's division to hold the works
captured. The rebels, having concentrated a large force upon the
right and left, flanked the position, compelling the forces to retire
to avoid capture, suffering considerable loss in killed, wounded and
prisoners. Many of the regiments suffered immensely from the
utter rout and want of proper management, the officers not se-
curing safety by keeping their commands in hand. Col. Penny-
packer being present with his men^ was enabled to bring the greater
portion to safe shelter near the original line. His presence saved his
command from capture. The inspiration which led in the chai^
and the daring intrepidity which had planted the flag of his Regi-
ment on the rebel parapet within a few feet of the flag of a rebel
Virginia regiment, also lent their influence to lead the brave men
around him out of the danger when the rebel forces were about to
close in upon them.
About August 26, Col. Pennypacker succeeded to the command
of the 2d brigade, 2d division, 10th Corps, by seniority of rank,
after the muster-out of Col. W. B. Barton, of the 48th N. Y.
Gen. Butler, having the fullest confidence in his ability and quali-
fication, he was regularly assigned to the command by order of
that officer on October 16. The brigade consisted of the 76th and
97th P. V. and the 47th and 48th N. Y. Subsequently, Col. John
W. Afoore's 203d P. V. was added, making it the largest in the
corps and one of the most efficient in the service. There were sub-
sequent transfers of regiments between the brigades and divisions
of the 10th Corps of which no record wets obtained. The following
is a list of the officers who served with Col. Pennypacker as mem-
bers of his staffs, viz.: Ist Lieut. Isaac Eugene Smith, It 6th N. Y.,
acting assistant adjutant general; 1st Lieut. James Scott, 47th N.
Y., aid-de-camp; Capt. Abijah S. Pell, Jr., 47th N. Y., aid-de-
camp; Ist Lieut. Frank D. Bamum, 116th N. Y., acting assistant
inspector general; Surgeon John R. Everhart, 97th P. V., chief
medical officer; 1st Lieut. John McGrath, 97th P. V., acting com-
missary of subsistence; 1st Lieut. Zachariah Paddock, Jr., 48th
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6. PENNTPACKER, BREVET MAJOR GENERAL, U. S. ARMY. 417
N. Y., acting assistant quarter-master; 2d Lieut. Thomas Keogh,
47th N. Y., ambulance officer.
Of this promotion, the Delaware County Republican speaks as
follows:
Promotion in the 97th Regiment, P. V. — A correspoDdent who writes to
us from near Petersburg, under date of September 1 9, furnishes the following
gratifying intelligence of the promotion of a deserving officer:
" Maj G. Pennypacker, who was wounded on May 20, in the memorable charge
upon the enemy's line in front of Gen. Butler's position at Bermuda Hundred,
has rejoined the 97th P. Y., having been commissioned lieutenant colonel and since
colonel of the Regiment. He commanded during the engagements at Deep Bot-
tom and Strawberry Plains, August 15 and 16, where the Regiment added fresh
laurels to its previous meritorious record. Col. Pennypacker enjoys in the highest
degree the confidence of his officers and men, as well as of his corps and division
commanders, as is evident from his being entrusted with the command of a bri-
gade almost before the eagles had folded their wings upon his shoulders. He is
DOW commanding the 2d brigade, 2d division of the lOth Army Corps, which
holds the right of our position in front of Petersburg. It is seldom that promo-
tion to such position is so well merited in all the requisite qualifications."
Col. Pennypacker entered upon the command of the brigade with
determination to fulfil every duty as faithfully as he had those of
less responsible stations. He at once made personal examination of
the entire line under his command, and finding that in some respects
more eflFective defences were requisite to the safety of the position,
recommended the necessary improvements, which, being approved
at division head-quartets, were immediately carried out under his
direction.
He enjoined upon regimental commanders the necessity of tho-
rough order and discipline, and personal attention to secure the
proper performance of duty by the men, in which some of the regi-
ments had become quite deficient. His staff officers, when on duty
at the front, were required to acquaint themselves with the condition
of every part of the lines, by repeated personal observation, so as
to be able to keep him advised of every movement on the part of
the enemy before him. His own example of personal attention
to every detail necessary for the security of his position became the
emulation of his command, a stimulus to both officers and men in
the performance of every duty.
Col. Pennypacker's brigade remained upon duty in the trenches
before Petersburg, Va., until the end of September, 1864, the ser*
vice being exceedingly arduous, critical and wearing to both officers
and men.
27
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418 mSTORT OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH EEGMBNT.
Active operations on the north side of the James River were re-
commenced on September 29. Col. Pennypacker led his brigade in
the engagement at Chapin's Bluff on that day, participated in the
operations at Fort Harrison, New Market Heights, where he led
his men with great gallantry, surmounting every obstacle in the
way, and succeeded in driving the enemy from a portion of their
lines, capturing during the day several heavy guns and a large
number of prisoners.
In the charge upon Fort Gilmer, Col. Pennypacker, at the head of
his brigade, passed through more than a mile of slashing and over a
considerable stream. The ground being quite uneven and broken,
the men were unable to double-quick on account of the obstructions.
Col. Pennypacker was among the wounded, being struck on the
right ankle by a piece of shell, causing a slight but very painful
wound. His horse was also shot while he was riding him during
the action.
Though suffering severely from his wound he refused to leave the
field during the engagement. It was his habit to remain with his
men until entirely disabled. In this instance he could not be pre-
vailed upon to leave his command while duty and danger demanded
his presence to ensure the safety and efficiency of his brigade. He
did not leave his command in consequence of his wound, but re-
mained upon duty at the front, receiving only such attention and rest
as could be obtained in his quarters at the camp of his brigade.
In the actions at Darby Town Road and Charles City Road, on
October 7, 1864, when Gren. Birney's corps repulsed the forces
of the 'rebel Gens. Field and Hoke, who made a most desperate
attempt to drive the Army of the James from its position, Col.
Pennypacker's brigade bore a conspicuous part. Under the influ-
ence of his presence and leadership it rendered most efficient service
in securing the victory which crowned the old 10th Corps with new
laurels, and a success seldom equalled.
On October 29, the 10th Corps was again engaged in action at
Darby Town Road, four and a half miles from Richmond. His
brigade advanced upon, the enemy's lines and drove them into their
inner line of intrenchments, under a galling fire. Afler reaching a
somewhat sheltered position, near the enemy's line, a steady fire
was kept up during the day; the pioveraent being a feint to engage
the attention of the enemy while the Army of the Potomac was
fighting at Hatcher's Run.
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6. PENNYPAGKER, BREVET MAJOR GENERAL, U. S. ARMT. 419
In this engagement, CoL Pennypacker's brigade maintained its
well-earned reputation for efficiency, celerity and the order of its
movements; overcoming all obstacles in the way with a determina^
tion that is only found where the leader is present and co-operatmg
wiffi the men, equally ready *to lead them on to victory or to pre-
serve them from disaster in defeat.
About November 1, Col. Pennypacker, having continued iji the
active command of his brigade, through every exposure since his
wound, on September 27, was now compelled to remain in his quar-
ters, with his foot elevated, in order to reduce the inflammation
and allow it to heal. He suiFered considerable pain and inconve-
nience also from his former wounds. Surgeon A. J. H. Buzzell, 3d
N. H., acting medical inspector of the corps, made an examination
of his wounds and advised him to take a leave of absence and
return home until he should recover, but he was unwilling to leave
his command at a time of such active operations.
During November, 1864, his brigade occupied the lines at
Chapin's Farm. The duty was of that arduous and wearing cha-
racter which only vet&raMs in the service can fully appreciate. So
constant and persistent was the firing, both of musketry and ar-
tillery, that each day's experience was such as would formerly have
been regarded as an active engagement.
During the important movements occurring between the 14th of
August and the end of November, 1864, Col. Pennjrpacker was con-
tinuously in command of his brigade, always at his post of duty;
always prepared for instant action ; always thoroughly cognizant of
every movement of the enemy on his front, which threatened his
position, and prepared to meet the emergency by a prompt and
ready support of his picket line from every point of his reserve force;
always depending upon his own observation of the situation when
possible, and requiring of his subordinate officers that efficient per-
formance of every duty which enabled him to rely upon the pre-
paration he might make to secure the safety and success of every
movement contemplated. Pleasant and courteous in bearing toward
all, he secured the respect and confidence of his command. Few
commanders have established more perfect discipline with less osten-
tatious manner of enforcement. Few with less pretension have
reached the opportunity for demonstrating those qualities requisite
to success in a military leader, and fewer possessing these have so
singly devoted them to the simple performance of present duty
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420 HISTORY OP THE NINETT-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
faithfully, without effort to secure preferment and promotion to more
responsible position.
Maj. Gen. Butler, in a congratulatory order to his troops, on Oc-
tober 11, 1864, thus refers to the services of Col. Pennypackier:
cc« ♦ ♦• QqI q Pennypacker, 97th P. V., commanding
2d brigade, 2d division, 10th Corps, for his zealous and untiring
efforts to make his brigade effiLcient, and for the manner in which
he led it in action, is commended by his corps commander and re-
commended to the President for promotion by brevet. * * *"
The concluding pages of this sketch approach the culmination
and eventful crowning point in the services of Col. Pennypacker, as
they stand upon the pages of time, a part of the history of our
national struggle. Whether written or unwritten, these have a
place with the record of noble deeds that have rendered imperish-
able the names \)f the nation's heroes. These will remain forever
inseparable from the cause they triumphantly espoused.
. His brigade formed a part of the force that accompanied Gen.
Butler's first expedition against Fort Fisher. The result of that
expedition, however fruitless, can in no sense be regarded as a
failure on the part of the troops selected to advance against that
rebel stronghold. Col. Pennypacker's brigade, with Gen. Ames'
division, was landed, under cover of the fire of the naval fleet, on
the afternoon of December 25, and a reconnoissance at once ordered,
with which Col. Pennypacker marched at the head of his brigade.
The result of the reconnoissance determined Gen. Butler to re-em-
bark his troops, which was with great difficulty accomplished on
account of the turbulence of the surf. The force then returned to
the position on the James River, near Chapin's Farm.
His brigade also accompanied the second expedition against Fort
Fisher, which was entrusted to Brevet Maj. Gen. A. H. Terry, who
embarked his force on January 2, 1866, and landed the entire force
(about eight thousand men), with rations, ammunition, siege train,
intrenching tools, etc., on the evening of the 12th, at Federal
Point, N. C.
Col. Pennypacker's brigade, with Gen. Paine's and another bri-
gade of the 2d division, were engaged in establishing a defensive
line across the island during the night after the landing, having to
make their way through marsh, swamps and thickets, almost im-
passable, except to veteran troops, and over ground but poorly
adapted to the construction of an intrenched line; the distance also
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G. PiSNNTPACKEB, BREVET MAJOR GENERAL, U. S. ARMY. 421
being found to be too great, the line first explored was abandoned
and a line nearer the rebel works, and much shorter, was subse-
quently established and intrenched by the same troops. The de-
scription of these and subsequent movements will be found in the
words of Gen. Terry's report to Gen. Rawlins, chief of staiF at
head-quarters of Gen. Grant, which is given in the narrative of the
Regiment.
After completing the inland defences therein described. Col.
Pennypacker led his brigade with distinguished gallantry, following
closely the advance of Col. Curtis' 1st brigade in every successive
movement, from point to point, closing in upon the enemy's works
by a rapid advance, and finally his line came up with that of the
Ist brigade, at the monient the works were reached, the two bri-
gades entering together into the fierce hand-to-hand conflict which
ultimately resulted in the entire occupation of the formidable fort.
With his leading regiment, the 97th P. V., he had gained the third
traverse of the work, upon which his own hand planted the flag of
that gallant Regiment, when he was stricken down by a shot of one
of the enemy, whose deliberate aim he had noticed, just in front of
him, as he was placing the flag upon the parapet.
For a more adequate presentation of the distinguished service
rendered by Col. Pennypacker, and his gallantry in the command
of his brigade, during this brilliant assault, reference is here made
to the official reports above mentioned, and to a letter from the
Secretary of War to the President, given in another chapter.
From these reports, it is quite apparent that Col. Pennypacker's
brigade bore its full share in the conflict, and his own terrible
wounds, received in the fore front of battle, while leading his com-
mand and in the act of placing the flag of his own Regiment, the
leading one of his brigade, upon the rebel parapet attest the cou-
rageous faithfulness of his endeavor to do his duty.
From the flrst landing of the troops, until the hour he was
stricken down in the midst of the terrible conflict, he was constantly
with hia men^ always leading them, never telling them where to go,
but making them feel that he depended upon them to follow where
he would try to lead them — to victory and aucceaa.
The following letter — ^written to Brevet Maj. Gen. H. R. Guss,
by Capt. George F. Towle, of the 4th N. H., a member of Gen.
Guss' staff when commanding his brigade on Morris Island, S. C,
in 1863, who, at Fort Fisher, was serving upon the staff of Gen.
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422 HISTORY OP THE NINETT-SETBNTH RBGIMENT.
Terry as inspector general — ogives the only reference to the inci-
dents connected with Gen. Pennypacker's command in that action
that could then be procured. It was hoped that a more detailed
account of the general's personal efforts on that day might be ob-
tained from letters or from the recollections of officers who were
present. It is with extreme regret this part of the sketch is limited
to paragraphs from the official reports and Capt. Towle's letter. To
such as are familiar with military reports these may be sufficient to
give the unobtrusive record of valor, duty, peril and pain encoun-
tered on that day. Yet there seems wanting the pen of one present
with him to give full measure of justice to this sketch:
FoBT FisHEB, N. C, January 23, 1865.
My Dear General: I have often thought of you, since you went home, and
have many times intended to write to you, but there was always something to
prevent You have read, of course, of what we have been doing here. The
assault was magnificent. For six hours, success seemed doubtful. The men
actually clubbed rifles over the parapet, and the fighting was of that hand-to-
hand character we so often read about but seldom see.
The 2d division went in, in three lines: first, the 1st brigade, under Curtis,
then the 2d, under Pennypacker, then the 3d, under Bell. About daric, the
2d brigade of the 1st division, under Abbott, came up and decided the day.
Curtis was wounded; Bell was wounded and died the next day; poor Penny-
packer was severely wounded while leading his brigade over the parapet,
with the colors of the 97/A P, V. in his hand. I saw him as he was brought
off on a stretcher; he refused to leave the field until he had seen Gen. Terry.
I told the general, who went to see him. Pennypacker then pointed to the
foremost flag on the traverses^ and wished the general to ''take notice that
was the flag of the 97/A Pennsylvania.^'' Everybody feels badly that he should
receive such a severe wound, and none more so than myself. Out in front of
Richmond I saw him often, and there is no one for whom I have more affection
and respect. He has been bre vetted a brigadier general, and we all most sin-
cerely hope he may live to enjoy his well-earned honors.
The carrying of such a strong work as Fort Fisher, by assault, is an CFent
unparalled in military history.
Including the Mound Battery and Battery Buchanan, t^ere were eighty-four
guns; among them a splendid one-hundred-and-fifty-pounder Armstrong gun,
with a mahogany carriage, presented to the rebels by English friends. Qeo.
Terry intends to present it to West Point The configuration of the ground and
shore between Fort Fisher and Battery Buchanan is very similar to that be-
tween Wagner and Oregg. The Mound Battery is half way between. After
capturing Fort Fisher, Abbott's brigade pushed right on to Battery Buchanan,
three-quarters of a mile further, and bagged about one thou sand prisoners — those
who were unable to get away for want of boats. The prisoners in all amounted
to nineteen hundred well and about four hundred wounded. « « ♦
Believe me always, truly your friend, Georqe F. Towlb.
To (Col.) Brevet. Maj. Gen. H. R. Guss, West Chester, Pa.
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G. PENNTPACKBR, BREVET MAJOR GENERAL, U. S. ARMY. 423
Immediately after the action at Fort Fisher, Col. Pennypacker
was — ^upon the personal recommendation of Secretary Stanton, who
was present with the expedition — ^by order of President Lincoln
breveted brigadier general of volunteers, to date from January 16,
1865, which promotion was confirmed by the United States Senate.
He was soon afterward appointed brigadier general of volunteers,
his commission being dated February 18, 1865. This appointment
was also confirmed by the Senate of the United States. His ac-
ceptance of this promotion necessarily severed his connection with
the 97th P. V. as its commanding officer. He, therefore, addressed
a letter of farewell to the officers and men of his old command,
between whom and himself there had existed, throughout the period
of service together, the strongest ties of faith and devotion in their
respective relations. This is given in a former chapter.
Upon the recommendation of Maj. Gen. A. H. Terry, command-
ing Department of Virginia, he was subsequently appointed by the
President major general of U. S. Vols, by brevet for gallant and
meritorious services during the war, to date from March 13, 1866.
The Senate of the United States also promptly confirmed this ap-
pointment.
The following communication, from the Philadelphia Press of
January 19, 1865, is expressive of the feeling of the people at his
home, appreciative of the services Gen. Pennypacker, and many
others near and dear to them, were rendering their country in her
struggle with armed rebellion :
THE CAPTORS OP FORT FISHER 1
To THE Editor of the Press.
Sir: Those really deserving of credit for the capture of Fort Fisher are the
ihrte commanders of the three brigades and the men under their command who
did th« work They braved all the danger. Gen. Terry, commander-in-chief,
confided the terrible charge to these commanders, having full faith in their bra-
very and unyielding courage. All honor to Gen. Curtis, Goh Pennypacker and
Col. Bell. All honor to the men whom they commanded. This is the first fort
of any consequence which has been taken by storm during the war.
GoL Pennypacker is a son of Chester County, in this State, and has won his
way from the ranks to his present position by his own merits. He is every inch
a soldier — beloved by his men — they would follow him to the cannon's mouth.
Born on the storied ground of Valley Forge, twenty-two years ago, he has caught
the heroic spirit of the days of Seventy-Six. We pray be may survive his
dangerous wound and live to serve his country among the long list of Pennsyl-
vania's patriotic sous. Wayne.
West Chester, January 18, 1865.
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424 HISTORY OF THE NINBTT-SBVEKTH RBGIMENT.
The same appreciation of the services of the brave veterans who
stormed Fort Fisher is breathed also in voices of song heraldic of
their fame. The following is from the Delaware County Repub-
lican :
TWO HUNDRED GUNS TO-DAY.
Two thousand shells on jester morn I
We add two hundred guns to-night I
On Fiaher^s ramparts floats the flag
That traitors tore from Sumter's height.
O'er Moat, Stockade and Parapet,
The Soldier and the Sailor flew,
"Stranger than ever," Rebels said I
But taken by a "Yankee Crew."
Casemate and Bastion were in vain.
When Terry and his men went down ;
And Porter^ thundered from the fleet,
.'Twas done! and soon we'll have the town.
Rebellion Cotton Loan has sunk
Like ^'Alabama" o'er the sea;
And English Lords won't take.
Now " Tallahassee" is not freel
"Such fighting never wan hefore,^^
And in that fierce, terrific blaze,
A stripling hero foremost leads —
Ah! Pennypacker, dearly pays!
T^o hundred guns, again we say,
In honor of the brave and great;
A glorious mantle o'er them spread,
Who, falling, gave us Fisher^s Fate!
January 20, 1865, R. M. J n.
In collecting the foregoing accounts of the action at Fort Fisher,
there has been wanting such a detailed statement of events as to
present fully the part enacted by Gen. Pennypacker*s command, with
the incidents as they occured in the terrible contest for possession
of the fort. Officers, with whom the writer has conversed, all bear
testimony to the severity of the conflict; the cool and brave deter-
mination of the young brigade commander; his prompt movements
in obedience to orders; his presence at the head of his brigade,
^leading in every advance, until at last he was stricken down at the
threshold of success, when, at the moment of having seized it, he
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G. PENNTPACKER, BREVET MAJOR GENERAL, U. S. ARMY. 425
was planting the flag of his own Regiment upon the third traverse
of the enemy's most formidable work. He was found to be terribly
wounded through the right side and hip by a Minie ball, which
fractured the upper portion of the pelvic bone, causing a most pain-
ful wound; which, from the action of the muscles in close attach-
ment with the nerves, rendered him incapable of such rest as to
secure even momentary relief from pain. He consequently suffered
most excruciatingly, rendering every attempt to remove him from
the beach to the transport both precarious and difficult. He bore
his sufferings with the same heroic courage which characterized his
action on the field.
With great difficulty he was removed on board the ocean steamer
Champion, for conveyance to Fortress Monroe, Va., at which place
Gen. Ord gave orders to detain the vessel (one of the largest and
most expensive of those chartered in the service of the govern,
ment) until it should be deemed, by the attending Surgeons, entirely
safe to attempt his removal ashore; very justly regarding his life
of more account to the government than the few hundreds of dol-
lars that were the contract price per diem of the steamer. As soon
as it was possible, he was removed to Chesapeake Hospital, where
he received every attention which medical and surgical skill could
devise for his relief. His recovery was for a long time regarded
extremely doubtful. His sufferings were of unremitting and in-
tense severity, but through judicious treatment and nursing, and the
best medical care, superintended by Dr. David R. Brower, execu-
tive medical officer at Fortress Monroe, an old schoolmate of the
general, he so far recovered as to be enabled to return to his home,
in West Chester, Pa., after having remained in hospital for about
ten months.
When it became known that Gten. Pennypacker was about to
return to his home, it was unanimously determined by the citizens
of West Chester to give him a suitable welcome which should, in
some degree, give expression to their appreciation of his eminent
and faithful servicea.
On the evening of November 10, 1865, a previously appointed
committee met at the Green Tree Hotel to make the final arrange-
ments for the reception of the general, expected on the next day.
At 4 P. M., on the 11th, the Court House bell was rung, as pre-
viously arranged, to announce his arrival. The citizens began to
congregate in front of that building.
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426 HISTORY OP THE NINBTr-SEVBNTH REGIMENT.
The cadets of Mr. Wyers and of Col. Hyatt's military schools
were soon upon the ground and formed in line; the citizens gene-
rally in line in the rear. Preceded by Capt. Sweeney's Comet
Band, the column moved out on the Wilmington Road to the borough
line to receive the general, who was on his way from Wilmington,
accompanied by Brevet Maj. Gen. H. R. Guss and Capt. Frank D.
Bamum, 115th N. Y., an aid upon the general's staff, who had
been detailed, by order of the War Department, to attend upon
him during his confinement to the hospital and until his recovery.
At 5 P. M., the barouche contedning the party came in sight and
was received with cheers and huzzas of welcome, which continued
along the entire route as the procession moved through the prin-
cipal streets of the town. The general was everywhere greeted by
the cheers and shouts of enthusiastic welcome of his friends and by
the smiles, tears, waving hands and white handkerchiefs from the
fair ones of thos6 homes that had given him their benediction more
than four years before. •
Arriving at the Court House, he descended from the carriage, look-
ing upon the faces around him, with grateful feeling for their
welcome manifest in his ruddy, manly face, still unchanged in its in-
tegrity; yet not with the same elastic step with which he had gone
forth ! for now he slowly entered the hall of the Court House, to
hear their words of welcome, leaning upon crutches and supported
on either side, moving with difficulty that told of pain and suffering
endured and still to be borne through long years, perhaps, as part
of the price paid for this joyous greeting. In the court room all
were assembled who could obtain a place, eager to hear and to see
the brave young leader of heroes; for many of those, dear to many
a home and heart in that gathering, had been with him, meeting
their country's foes. Ladies and citizens, the grandest and humblest,
there met to give welcome to one who, as a representative, held an
equal place in the regard of every class and every heart. When
order could be obtained, the chairman of the committee of recep-
tion, Dr. Wilmer Worthington, addressed the general as follows:
Qeneral — I have been desigDated, by your neighbors and fellow citizeDS, to
give you a cordial welcome to your home. I need scarcely say, the duty is one
which affords me great pleasure, however incompeteDt I may feel for its perform-
ance. When our national flag was assailed by armed treason and the little band
of patriot soldiers who garrisoned Fort Sumter were compelled to surrender it,
and the President of the United States, under a full sense of the solemn respon-
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O. PENNTPACKER, BREVET MAJOR GENERAL, U. S. ARMY. 427
sibilities which rested upon him, as Chief Magistrate, made his appeal to the
patriotism of the oation to rally in defence of that tag, yoUf with thousands of
others, responded to the call and entered the service as a non-commissioned officer
in the three months' volunteers. Tour youthful but manly heart, throbbing with
emotions of the warmest patriotism, incited you to deeds of martial fame. The
comforts of home were exchanged for the dangers of the battle-field I and the
national honor, the safety of the republic, and the freedom of our race, all com-
bined to animate and inspire you to noble efforts in behalf of human liberty.
After the termination of your first engagement in the military service, you did
not hesitate to renew your pledge to stand by the government in its efforts to
save the nation. You raised a company of volunteers, and being chosen its
captain, it formed a part of the Ninety-Seventh Regiment of Pennsylvania
Volunteers, which went into service under the command of our gallant towns-
man, Col. Henry R. Guss.
In this connection you remained until you had reached the highest position in
the Regiment and, for gallant conduct in the field, had been advanced to the
honorable rank you now so meritoriously occupy. I would not attempt, upon this
occasion, to enumerate all the services in which this Regiment has been en-
gaged, and in which you and others have gathered so many unfading honors.
The many brave hearts which have ceased to pulsate, and lie buried in the war-
rior's grave, and the painful wounds which you, and others, still living, have re-
ceived, will long attest the gallantry of its deeds, which will never cease to be
held in grateful remembrance by a loyal and patriotic people. .
From the rank of captain you advanced to that of major, and when the Regi-
ment left Camp Wayne for the seat of war, on November 16, 1861, you held this
position; you were afterwards made lieutenant colonel and then colonel; and
while holding this rank, you were in command of a brigade/ For gallant con-
duct at Fort Fisher, you were brevetted a brigadier general, on January 15, 1865,
and on the same day received the commission of a brigadier general in full.
While your friends at home have watched your military career, and no iced with
pride and satisfaction your advancement from rank to rank — the officers in com-
mand, who have enjoyed so many opportunities of learning your heroic bearing,
amidst scenes of the greatest peril, have borne their testimony to your worth as
a man and your skill and bravery as a soldier and an officer. We are not un-
mindful that, in the moment of triumph, at Fort Fisher, when you had, by your
own hand, raised the first regimental flag upon the parapet, you fell, by a severe
wound, from which you still suffer, and which has prevented an earlier return to
the embrace of your relatives and friends.
The services of 1 he. 97th Regiment are a part of the history of the nation. It
has endured privations and dangers which have covered both officers and men
with distinguished honors. Amidst the malarial swamps of a southern climate
they have shared the perils of disease ; and on picket and in skirmishing service,
as well as on the hard-contested battle fields in general engagments, or storming
the best-constructed and ably-defended forts of the enemy, it has never failed in
duty.
Tour name is closely identified with the achievements of the 97th Regiment,
and in connection with other troops, in the capture of Fort Fisher. The future
historian in recording the events of that day, will not omit to mention the 97th
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428 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
76th and 203d Regiments of PeDDSjIv^aDia Volunteers, the 47th and 48th Regi-
ments of New York, and the brave son of Chester County, who le^ them in the
deadly conflict, and planted upon its walls the regimental colors of the 97tb
P. v., pierced by more than one hundred bullets.
Who is there here to-day that is not moved, deeply moved, by such a scene as
this? can any loyal heart feel insensible under such a meeting? A brave aud
patriotic youth, returning to his home, receiving the cordial greeting of ardent
and anxious friends, bearing the scars, enduring the suffering of many wounds,
and covered with the brightest honor heroic deeds can bestow. What sympatliy
of our nature is not enlisted? what feeling of admiration is.wauting? what love
and gratitude is not called forth as we meet to welcome one so endeared to onr
hearts?
When the telegraph flashed along its wires the intelligence that Fort Fisher
bad been taken, and that you had received what was supposed to be a mortal
wound, whilst amid a shower of iron hail you had planted the stars and stripes
upon its battlements — we sadly felt the loss we had sustained, but rejoiced over
the completeness of the victory I Our sadness is now turned to joy, the battle
has been won, and we receive with a cordial welcome the gallant and conva-
lescent chieftain who aided so nobly to secure the triumph. We hail you, not
only as a brave son of Pennsylvania, but also of Chester County.
A new impulse has been given to human freedom, our free American institu-
tions have been revived and brightened by the severe ordeal to which they have
been exposed, and they stand out to the admiring gaze of other nations with
greater splendor, and inspiring more cheering hopes to the down-trodden and op*
pressed nations of all the earth.
That you may soon be restored to perfect health, that you may hang further
honors upon that flag you have so bravely defended, and that you may long live
to witness the glorious fruits of that war, in which you have so largely partici-
pated, is the earnest and constant wish of every friend of the Union.
Dr. Worthington's address of welcome was responded to by
William Darlington, Esq., in a few appropriate remarks, on behalf
of the general, who was much debilitated and incapable of either
physical or mental exertion adequate to the occasion. The general
was afterward cordially greeted by his fellow-citizens, who gathered
around him, eager to grasp the hand which had so bravely borne
aloft the flag, bright and fresh, four years before, but now pierced
by hundreds of bullets and tattered by the storms of war; which
had seized it in the thickest of the assault and waved its folds upon
the walls of Fort Fisher, where he fell sorely wounded, but it re-
mained in the front of the fight to mark the spot. Almost shrink-
ing from the honors and manifestations of the appreciation of his
services which his fellow citizens desired to shower upon him, his
retiring unobtrusive demeanor indicated that his modesty equalled
his valor.
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G. PENNTPACKER, BREVET MAJOR GENERAL, U. S. ARMY. 429
Gren. Pennypacker remained at West Chester, the guest of his
former commander, Brevet Maj. Gen. H. R. Guss. He there had
several painful relapses of suflfering from his wound, requiring con-
finement to his bed. At the expiration of his leave, feeling inca-
pable of further service, he tendered his resignation, o^i February
28, 1866, but it was not accepted by the War Department.
His leave of absence was extended sixty, days, at the end of which
time, being still unable to resume active duty, he again tendered his
resignation, which was finally accepted by the Secretary of War, to
take effect on April 30, 1866.
Gen. Pennypacker was the first officer of the 97th P. V. to be
mustered into the service of the United States, and the last of the
original officers of the Regiment to leave the service, having been
continuously in the army a few days over five years. He was a most
excellent officer, a man of refined feelings and culture, whose modest
and unassuming worth won their way to recognition and advance-
ment in the service, through sterling merit alone; securing alike the
confidence of his superior officers, the respect, the admiration, and
the ready service of all undei^his command. Few are more de-
serving the love and the gratitude of their fellow countrymen for
arduous service, so faithfully, so cheerfully, so nobly devoted to a
cause that called forth the best of the sons of many homes to serve
their country, and, if need be, to sacrifice their lives that their
country might live. While so many of these have lefl sad homes
filled with sorrow that rests as a cloud upon the hearts of the
living, and the nation holds their memory sacredly cherished, silent
witnesses of the cost of human freedom ; there are also other wit-
nesses whose scars, woumds and continued suffering are a part of
that price . to be held most precious in the regard of their country^
men. Together with these, the name of Maj. Gen. Pennypacker
will remain inseparable from the history of our country, engraven
as it is in the hearts of all who treasure the deeds of her heroes.
During the period of service, he was wounded seven times within
eight months. Within one year he received five promotions. He
was the youngest general officer who served in the army during the
war, having been confirmed a brigadier and brevet major general
at the age of twenty-two years.
On the 1st of April, 1866, he commenced reading law in the
office of Hon. Wayne MacVeagh, at West Chester, and pursued the
study during the summer of 1866, with some interruption, however.
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430 mSTOBT OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
from recurrence of painful irritation in his only partially healed
vxmnds.
Upon the organization of the regular army, at the close of the
war, Pennsylvania became entitled, in the distribution of offices,
to one colonelcy, which was offered to Gen. Pennypacker. The
board of examiners are reported to have received explicit directions
concerning any difficulty they might have in regard to his physical
condition, from Secretary Stanton, who, to use the language of
Gen. Harry White, "loved him." On the 1st of December, 1866,
.he received, from President Lincoln, the appointment of colonel of
the 34th Infty., U. S. Army, to date from July 28, 1866, per-
mission being given him, by the War Department, to delay joining
his regiment, in order to have the benefit of further surgical and
medical care and more perfect recovery from his wounds. He was
also appointed, by the President, brevet brigadier general and
brevet major general, U. S. Army, which promotions were promptly
confirmed by the Senate of the United States, to rank from March
29, 1867,
He remained at West Chester until about May 20, 1867, when
he joined his regiment, then stationed at Grenada, Miss., where
he continued in its command, and at times in command of the sub
district of Mississippi, until October, 1870; during which time he
was also tor a few months engaged as president of a military com-
mission at Vicksburg, Miss. He served also as a member of the
Retiring Board at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. Subsequently, he
was in command of the sub district, at Nashville, Tenn., Louisville,
Ky., and other localities in the Department of the Southwest, from
time to time, as the service required, until December 22, 1871, when
he received a leave of absence, for one year, with permission to visit
Europe.
Upon the reduction of the army, by act of Congress, in March,
1869, the 34th Infty. being discontinued as an organization, C!ol.
Pennypacker was assigned to the 16th Infty., U. S. Army, and con-
tinues to hold that command, the youngest colonel in the United
States Army.
Aft;er a period of over five years' continuous service — ^in the ad-
ministration of affairs, in a disorganized community where diverse
and conflicting sentiments and interests met in jealous array, tend-
ing to render the duties of a military commander both arduous and
delicate — it is found, from the testimony of all parties and classes
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6. PEKNTPAGKER, BREVET MAJOR GENERAL, U. S. ARMY. 431
and from the entire local southern press that the impartial direct-
ness, even-handed justice and the uniform kindness manifested by
Gren. Pennypacker toward all, in both official and social intercourse,
have secured for him a popularity and regard as deserved as they
are general.
During the last gubernatorial canvass in Pennsylvania, in 1872,
Gen. Pennypacker 's name was prominently presented by many of
the most influential papers in the State for nomination as a candi-
date for that high office, and was most favorably considered by those
who sought to harmonize conflicting interests between prominent
rival aspirants for that position, by suggesting a candidate so distin-
guished and so deservedly popular as to ensure the united support
of all parties and classes. To his friends in the convention, who
were desirous to promote his nomination, he expressed grateful ap-
preciation for the intended honor, which he respectfiiUy and posi-
tively declined to accept, preferring to retain his present position in
the United States Army. His name was therefore vdthdrawn from
the convention before a vote was taken. Had he been nominated
for the office of Governor, at that time, his age would have been
barely above the constitutional limit.
The year of his leave of absence was mostly spent abroad, visit-
ing the chief places of interest on the continent, being everywhere
received vnth distinguished consideration by the officials of those
governments, to whom he had letters of introduction from officers
of the government, the army, and others.
Letters were sent to him from the Secretary of War, desiring
him to attend and observe the manoeuvres of the British army about
to take place, but he failed to receive them in time to do so, owing
to his having accepted the invitation of the American Minister at
Berlin (Hon. Mr. Bancroft) to remain and participate in the cere-
monies attendant upon the meeting of the Emperors of Russia,
Austria and Germany, at that city. He was received there with
great cordiality and attention as a guest, and as the representative
of. the American Army. His modest demeanor everjrwhere won for
him the praises of the German papers, a? the writer has had fre-
quent opportunity to see; the German people generally being
ardent in appreciation of such qualities in those occupying distin-
guished positions, especially where the persons possessing them are
Americans.
After returning from Europe, his leave of absence was extended
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432 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
for six months, in consideration of his having served over five years
continuously without leave. He visited Canada and made the tour
of the Dominion Provinces during the spring of 1873, and, having
returned again to his home in West Chester, was ahout preparing
to rejoin his command at Nashville, but owing to the occurrence of
yellow fever, of malignant type, at Memphis and other places in the
southwest, he received orders to delay returning for sixty days after
the expiration of his present leave. At the termination of which
time, although the disease was still prevailing — the frosts not having
yet materially neutralized the malarious influences of the poison — ^his
sense of duty would not permit him to prolong his absence from his
command, although an order of the War Department, recently
published, gave permission to officers, upon leave or upon orders
from stations where the fever prevailed, to delay returning until all
danger from the fever was over. He, therefore, returned to Nash-
viUe on October 16, 1873. His command (16th Tnfty. U. S. Army)
is at present, April, 1875, distributed at various places throughout
the Southern States, with head-quarters at Nashville, Tenn.
Augustus P. Duer, LiEUTEtTANT Colonel Ninety-Seventh Regi-
ment Pennsylvania Volunteers.
Augustus P. Duer, bom April, 1818, at West Chester, Pa., is the
son of the late distinguished lawyer, John Duer, Esq., of the Ches-
ter County Bar, to which he was admitted about 1804.
Mr. Duer was a lineal descendant of Lord Sterling, of Revolu-
tionary fame. The family of Duer is, in the State of New York,
one of eminence even at the present day.
A. P. Duer entered the United States Military Academy at West
Point, on July 1, 1837, being then nineteen years and three months
of age. Among his classmates there were the distinguished Union
Generals Rodman, Tower, Lyon, Wright, Brannan. John F. Rey-
nolds, Hamilton, Sulley, Buel, Brookes and others. He remained
at the academy four years, deceiving a thorough military education,
although he resigned without graduating.*
Mr. Duer subsequently engaged in business as a civil engineer,
being first employed in building a railroad fo open up the coal de-
posits on Broad Mountain — the road running from the Susquehanna
♦History of Chester, Delaware County, Pa., by J. Hill Martin.
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AUGUSTUS P. DUER, UEUTENANT COLONEL. 433
River up Clark's Creek to the mountain — afterward in locating and
building the West Chester and Philadelphia Railroad, and still
later was engaged upon the Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad, in
Missouri.
For several years previous to the war of the rebellion he was en-
gaged in the real estate business, at West Chester, in connection
with the late Cheyney Nields, Esq.
He was an active, energetic Republican, and entered earnestly
into the campaign of 1856 in support of Col. Fremont for the
Presidency, and again in 1860 participated in the successful efforts
toward the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United
States.
On October 7, 1861, he was appointed lieutenant colonel of the
97th Regiment, then organizing at Camp Wayne, West Chester,
and was in comn^and at that place during a portion of the time the
Regiment remained there. He was detailed at Jacksonville, Fla.,
by Special Order No. 5, March 28, 1862, president of a council of
administration for the examination of applicants for appointment
to sutler for the 97th Regiment and for the regulation of a tariff of
prices for merchandise, etc., at that post; detailed on general court-
martial at Edisto, S. C, in May 1862; commanded detachment of
Regiment, Companies G, H and other forces occupying Legaree-*
ville, S. C, during the first advance upon Charleston, from June
9,1862 to July 7, 1862; commanded Regiment at Hilton Head,
S. C, from August 1, 1862, to September 12, 1862; again from Oc-
tober 30, 1862, to November 10, 1862, a portion of which time the
Regiment was on picket duty on Broad River; detailed on court-
martial, at Beaufort, S. C, during part of September, 1862; again
commanded the Regiment at Edisto and Seabrook Islands, S. C.^
during portions of April, May and June, 1863; commanded detach*
ment of Regiment in action at Fort Wagner, S. C, April 18, 1863;
commanded convalescent camp at St. Helena Island, S. C, from
July 22 to September 30, 1863. His health having become im-
paired, he then received a sick leave of absence and returned home ;
rejoined the Regiment, at Femandina, Fla., October 24, 1864. His
health continuing unimproved, he resigned, in March, 1864, and
was honorably discharged at Hilton Head, S. C, April 3, 1864.
In 1865, he became engaged in mining operations in Colorado^
where he remained some years, and then returned to his home at
Pennington ville, where he continues to reside.
28
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434 history op the ninety-seventh regiment.
Isaiah Price, Major Ninety-Seventh Regiment Pennsylvania
Volunteers and Brevet Colonel U. 9. Vols.
Isaiah Price* was bom, on ]^Iay 20, 1822, in East Bradford Town-
ship, Chester County, Pa. His fiither was Benjamin Price, son of
Philip Price, for many years Superintendent of Friends* Westtown
Boarding School, and the founder of Price's School for Girls, in
West Chester. Both lived for many years upon the estate upon
which Col. Price was bom; both were prominent members of the
religious Society of Friends. They were men of high character for
integrity, intelligence and enterprise, and took a leading part in
all movements calculated to advance the welfare of the people. In
the adoption of improved methods in agriculture they were pioneers.
Col. Price's mother was Jane, daughter of Jacob Paxson, of
Abington, Montgomery Co., Pa., all of whose family were active
members of the same religious society — so that, upon both sides,
he sprung from Quaker stock, and in that faith he received all
his early training — a prominent point of which was " ever to be
guided by the dictates of duty vdthin the heart of the individual."
It was, perhaps, the logical working of this principle that led so
many young Quakers to lay aside the peaceful tenets of the society
and enter actively into the grand contest between despotism and
human freedom.
His boyhood was spent upon the farm of his parents, engaged,
with other brothers (one of whom served with the 1st Pennsylvania
Reserves during their whole period of service), in the active duties
ot the farm. His school education was received at the neighbor-
hood schools, Mr. Bolmar's Academy and Friend's Select School, at
West Chester, and at an academy in Byberry, Pa., under the care
of John G. Lewis. It embraced all the branches of a liberal Eng-
lish education and some progress in the Latin language. He, of
course, received no military education whatever. His natural bent
inclined to the finer mechanical arts, and for several years before
entering the army he was engaged in the practice of dentistry,
having graduated at the Philadelphia College of Dental Surgery,
in 1854, being one of the first class of matriculants.
*Thi8 biographical sketch, prepared, by a relative of the author, for Prof.
Samael P. Bates, State Historian, is permitted to appear in this work as a part of
the record, at the earnest suggestion of those most interested in the publication
of the history of the Regiment.
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ISAIAH PRICE, BREVET COLONEL, U. S. VOLS. 435
In stature he is about medium, with a broad, firmly knit frame,
and, until weakened by an attack of illness, while a student, his
health was perfect. Trained by most careful and conscientious
parents, his habits are altogether exemplary.
In 1846, he was married to Lydia, daughter of Jacob Heald, of
Hockessin, Delaware, and settled in West Chester, Pa.
He never held civil office.
On August 23, 1861, he received from Col. H. R. Guss, then
engaged in recruiting a regiment of infantry for the United States
service, the authority to recruit a company, and, on September 18,
with eighty-three men enlisted, he was mustered into the service of
the United States as captain of Company C, 97th P. V. On Sep-
tember 23, the company was filled to the maximum number of one
hundred and one men. The Regiment left Camp Wayne, West
Chester, November 16, 1861 ; was stationed a few days at Wash-
ington; then ordered to Port Royal, S. C. (via Fortress Mpnroe, Va.),
where it arrived on December 15. On January 3, 1862, Capt. Price
was detailed upon recruiting service and ordered to report at Har-
risburg. Early in May following, he was ordered to rejoin his
Regiment with his recruits, which he did at Legareeville, S. C, on
June 5. With his Regiment, he participated in the engagements
on John's Island, S. C, June 7, 1862; at Grimball's Plantation,
James Island, June 10, 1862, and at Secessionville, June 16, 1862.
During a portion of the winter of 1862-63 he was detailed upon
court-martial duty. He participated in the engagement at Ste-
vens' Landing, James Island, July 16, 1863; was in command
of the Regiment during most of the siege of Forts Wagner and
Gregg, Morris Island, S. C, from July 18 to October 2, 1863;
moved with the Regiment to Femandina, Fla., October, 1863, and
was there assigned to duty as provost marshal.
Upon the resignation of Lieut. Col. A. P. Duer, April 3, 1864,
Maj. Pennypacker was promoted to lieutenant colonel and Capt.
Price to major, to rank from April 3, 1864. Their commissiolis,
delayed in consequence of the active operations in Virginia, were
not received until June 6, when, from unavoidable circumstances,
Maj. Price could not be mustered.
Upon the organization of the Army of the James, in April,
1864, he was transferred with the Regiment to Virginia and par-
ticipated in the advance upon the Richmond and Petersburg Rail-
road, and in action at Swift Creek, on May 9, and in the engage-
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436 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
ment at Green Plains, Va., on May 18, in which the 97th P. V.
lost, in killed and wounded, fifty-five men.
On the night of May 19, he was on picket duty with one hun-
dred and fifty men of the Regiment. During the night, the rebels
made several attacks upon the line. But were repulsed. At daylight,
on the morning of the 20th, Maj. Price became satisfied that the
rebels were massing their forces upon this part of the picket line
and reported the fact to the officer of the day, urging the necessity
of reinforcements. As the intentions of the enemy became more
apparent, two other messengers were sent with information to the
officer of the day. He did not, however, come upon the ground
until 8.30 A. M., and then without reinforcements. He then at-
tempted to explain the movements of the rebels as but the usual
relieving of the picket force; but, while he was speaking, three
regiments moved en echelon from a concealed position, immediately
in front of Maj. Price's men, and other forces of the enemy began
a charge upon the line, both to his right and left. The detachment
upon his left broke at the onset of the charge, leaving his flank
exposed. Maj. Price succeeded in checking about two hundred of
these men and inducing them to make a stand, but they were after-
ward compelled to fall back, as were also the 97th P. V., after a
gallant and successful resistance to the forces directly in their front,
not, however, without some loss in killed and wounded. Maj. Price
was struck in the thigh, by a spent canister shot, and disabled
from duty several for days.
On May 23, 1864, owing to the disability of Lieut. Col. Penny-
packer, who was severely wounded in the charge made by the Regi-
ment, on the 20th, to regain the ground lost in the morning, Maj.
Price was assigned to the command of the Regiment, which he re-
tained until August 13 following. On May 28, embarked at Ber
muda Landing, James River, and, on the 30th, joined the Army of
the Potomac, at White House, Va. He commanded the Regiment
inf action at Cold Harbor, Va., and in the trenches, from June 4 to
June 13, when the forces re-embarked for James River.
He participated, leading the Begiment in the assault, capturing
the enemy's works on the heights near Petersburg, June 16, 1864,
and at the explosion of the mine, July 30, 1864.
About the middle of August, Maj. Price was prostrated by an
attack of low nervous fever and was under treatment, at the Chesar
peake Hospital, about four weeks.
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HENRY W. CARRUTHERS, A. A. A. GENERAL; TENTH CORPS. 437
He returned to his Regiment, near Petersburg, Va., September
11, 1864. The strength of the Regiment having been reduced by
losses, and by the expiration of the term of service of enlisted men,
below the number entitling, it to two field officers, Maj. Price was
compelled to be mustered out of service at the expiration of his
three years' term, as captain of Company C, 97th P. V., which oc-
curred on September 17, 1864. He returned home, on September
29, after a continuous absence of two years and four months.
On March 6, 1867, Maj. Price was, upon the recommendation of
Maj. Gen. Pennypacker, brevetted, by Gov. Geary, as lieutenant
colonel and colonel U. S. Vols., to date from September 18, 1864,
for "gallant and meritorious service during the war." After his
return from the field, he resumed the practice of his profession,
locating in the city of Philadelphia.
This sketch of the services of Col. Price can be fitly closed by
quoting the following words, written by a former commanding
officer of his Regiment — ^now an officer of the regular army — to a
personal friend, in 1865: "* * * There never was, or
could be, an officer more vrilling and anxiovs to hold himself up to
the strict, stem and varied requirements of his official duty than is
Maj. Price. With him, lofty and pure patriotism, and a desire to
do everything he can to further the interest of the public service —
regardless of what consideration he is to receive, and as to whe-
ther he will be popular with, or disliked by, those around him —
are the grand paramount incentives. I will be more than pleased
to have him again with me as we move to the front for the final
straggle. * * *"
Henry W. Carruthers, First Lieutenant and Adjutant Ninety-
Seventh P. v.; A. A. A. General, FiIist Brigade, Second Divi-
sion, Tenth Corps; Captain Company C, Ninety-Seventh P. V.
Henry W. Carruthers was born at Lawrenceville, 111., November
5, 1835. His father, George W. Carruthers, was a promising young
lawyer of that placed who died while Henry was a child. His
mother, Jemima P. Carruthers, then returned to Pennsylvania, her
native State.
At the age of fourteen years, her son Henry was put apprentice
to his uncle, Hon. Henry S. Evans, editor of the Village Record,
West Chester, Pa., to learn the printing business, where he re-
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438 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
mained until he attained his twenty-first year, becoming an excellent
printer and an efficient assistant in conducting the business of the
office.
At the end of his apprenticeship, hq entered upon the study of
law, with Joseph Hemphill, Esq., in West Chester, and was ad-
mitted to the bar of the courts of Chester and Delaware Counties,
in February, 1858. He had a fine education and a graceful, popu-
lar style of oratory, which promised usefulness and distinction in
his profession. He was engaged in the practice of the law until the
spring of 1861, when, the rebellion having culminated in the attack
upon Fort Sumter, he joined the ardent and patriotic young men
of West Chester in raising troops to support the government. He
had previously become a citizen soldier as a member of Capt. Henry
R. Guss' company of National Guards. This company (which was
one of the first in the State to respond to the call of the Governor
for troops to serve in the national defence) was accepted into the
service, at Harrisburg, and attached to the 9th Regiment P. V.
In this regiment he served as a ^private during the three months'
campaign, preferring that position among his immediate friends to
that of adjutant in another (the 14th* Regiment), which position
had been tendered him at Harrisburg. The 9th Regiment was at-
tached to Gen. Patterson's command, in Pennsylvania and Maryland,
and, at the expiration of its term of service, was discharged, by
order of the Secretary of* War, when Private Carruthers returned
with his company to West Chester.
Immediately after the discharge of the 9th Regiment, CoL Henry
R. Guss received authority, from Secretary Cameron, to recruit a
regiment for the three years' service. H. W. Carruthers entered
with spirit into co-operation with Col. Guss in the furtherance of
this object. Being of an active, energetic and enthusiastic tempera-
ment— and having added the experience of three months' active ser.
vice in the field to a proficiency in military drill and tactics ac-
quired in training with the old guards — ^he was eminently fitted to
contribute to the success which organized and sent to the field a
regiment that was destined to achieve an enviable record in the
history of the war. With that record, the name of Capt. Henry
W. Carruthers will pass to future generations as one of the noble,
patriot, martyr heroes who gave their lives that their government
might not perish.
He was commissioned 1st lieutenant of Company C, in the 97th
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HENRY W. CABRUTHERS, A. A. A. GENERAL; TENTH CORPS. 439
Regiment P. V. and mustered into the service of the United States
on September 11, 1861. His military proficiency contributed
largely to the rapid organization send perfection of that company in
the discipline requisite to prepare it for active sericve.
Upon the completion of the organization of the Regiment, on Oc-
tober 29, 1861, Lieut. Carruthers was appointed adjutant, which
position he held until near the end of the period of service, perform-
ing the duties thereof with ability and fidelity rarely equalled. He
possessed administrative qualities that eminently qualified him for
his post and rendered his services invaluable to the commander of
the Regiment.
In the performance of the complicated duties, comprised in regi-
mental reports, returns, etc., and in making the details from the
roster, for the varied duties of the command, Adjt. Carruthers was
ever most prompt, efficient and correct.
These being made strictly in accordance with the Revised Army
Regulations did not, however, always prevent a perplexed acting
assistant adjutant general sending for explanation or alteration. The
result usucJly demonstrated that the non-conformity was n2arer
head-quarters.
To pursue consecutively the record of the services of this officer
would extend this sketch beyond the limit allotted it in the State
history.* The history of his Regiment will be recorded, and it only
need be written here that he was always present in action when
with his Regiment, and, if possible, near his Regiment when upon
the staff of its brigade commander. In the first engagement in
which his Regiment saw service on John and James Islands, S. C,
in June, 1862, Adjt. Carruthers gave indication of those qualities
of energy and self-possession that were afterwards such distinguish-
ing traits in his military career.
In August, 1862, after the return of the first expedition against
Charleston, to Hilton Head, S. C, Adjt. Carruthers was appointed
acting assistant adjutant general upon the staff of Col. Guss, then*
in command of that post. He subsequently held the position of
acting assistant adjutant general upon the staff of Col. Guss, com-
manding the 1st brigade. Gen. Terry's division, in the second cam-
paign against Charleston, in April and May, 1863.
Upon the occupation of Morris Island, in July, 1863, Col. Guss
*Tbis sketch was originally prepared for Prof. S. P. Bates, State Historian.
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440 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
was assigned to the command of the 1st brigade, 1st division, 10th
Corps, and Adjt. Carruthers was again appointed acting assistant
adjutant general, and continued to perform the duties of that posi-
tion during the siege of Fort Wagner and until the forces were re-
lieved after the fall of Forts Wagner and Gr^g. During this siege
Adjt. Carruthers was constantly on duty, and assisted regularly and
faithfully in the arduous and exposing service of changing the relief
on duty in the trenches, whenever details were made from his brigade.
To appreciate fully this service, it is necessary to have realized the
responsibilities of an officer in charge of the trenches during a siege,
such as that of Fort Wagner, Pbrt Hudson or VicJcsburg.
At Femandina, Fla., October 6, 1863, Col. H. R. Guss was com-
mandant of that post, and appointed Adjt. Carruthers post adjutant
and acting assistant inspector general, which duties he performed
with marked ability.
At that post, Adjt. Carruthers was twice detailed as the judge
advocate of a general court-martial, of which Maj. G. Pennypacker
was president. To the discharge of this duty, he brought rare legal
qualifications; having charge of the conflicting interests of both the
court and the prisoners arraigned for trial, conducting the cases
vrith a justice and impartiality commensurate with the serious nature
of the charges preferred.
About March 31, 1864, he returned home with Col. Guss and the
re-enlisted men of the Regiment, who received furloughs of thirty
days. At the expiration of the furlough he rejoined the Regiment,
then at Bermuda Hundred, Va., with the men in charge, and upon
Col. Guss being assigned to the command of the 1st brigade, 3d
division, 10th Corps, Adjt. Carruthers was again appointed acting
assistant adjutant general and performed the duties of that oflBlce
until Col. Guss left the service, in June, 1864, when he rejoined his
Regiment, having served with distinction in the operations under
Gen. Butler, from May 16 to June 2, 1864.
He continued with the Regiment during the remainder of his
life, four times declining the appointment tendered him of acting
assistant adjutant general upon the staff of Col. Louis Bell, then
in command of the 1st brigade, 3d division, 10th Corps.
On June 6, 1864, at Cold Harbor, Va., he received his com-
mission as captain of Company C, 97th P. V., Capt. Price having
been commissioned as major of the Regiment upon the same date,
April 3, 1864. Both these officers were, however, prevented from
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HENRY W. CARRUTHEBS, A. A. A. GENERAL; TENTH CORPS. 441
being mustered in their advanced grades, owing to the absence of
Lieut. Col. Pennjrpacker, on account of wounds.
In the advance upon Petersburg Heights, Va., on June 15, 1864,
and the subsequent operations in front of the enemy's intrenched
lines, the co-operation of Capt. Carruthers (who continued to per-
form the duties of adjutant) was invaluable to the commander of
the Regiment. The real worth and the services of such an officer
could only be known and appreciated by one whose good fortune it
Was to have his aid throughout a campaign such as that in Virginia,
from May to October, 1864. The casualties of the service had left
the writer of this memoir in command of the Regiment with no
other field officer present to share the duties and responsibilities of
the command. During this period of arduous service in the trenches
he was always at his post, and by his promptitude and efficiency did
very much to secure success. There was no duty, no responsibility,
no danger to be met, which his cool thought and counsel did not
render less difficult.
For over four months sharing the same shelter in bivouac, never
separated for half an hour, day or night, often without laying aside
either clothing or accoutrements, required to be ready for instant
service, the night attack has been met at the moment of being
aroused from sleep. He was never missed from his place, for the
whole aim of his life seemed to centre in being found at his . post
when duty called.
It could not be otherwise than that such an officer must come to
be cherished, also, as the companion and friend. Having a mind
well stored with the fruits of patient study and culture, with tastes
refined, an unsullied honor, a genial heart and exuberant nature,
there was a charm in his society and a buoyancy in the lively wit,
that sometimes sparkled in his conversation, rendering the close
companionship of camp life most pleasant and welcome, cheering
the path of duty with bright, happy hours that will long live in
the memory of those who survive that eventful period. This tribute
to his faithful services, in the cause of his country, is felt to bo but
a foint testimonial to his co-operation and efficient aid, through the
toils of the campaign, which his faithfulness as an officer, and his
companionship as a friend and co-laborer, did so much to lighten
and to relieve.
The 14th of August, 1864, terminated this intimate and harmo-
nious companionship and co-operation in the cause of our country.
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442 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
Col. Pennypacker (now brevet major general U. S. Army), having
recovered from his wounds (received on May 20, 1864), resumed
command of the Regiment. An illness (for some time impending)
then sent the writer to the U. S. General Hospital, at Fortress
Monroe, Va.
The Regiment was engaged in action, at Deep Bottom and Mai-
vern Hill, August 14 and 15; and, on the 16th, at Strawbeny
Plains, Va. In this action, Capt. Carruthers was mortally wounded
by a Minie ball passing through the upper lumbar vertebrae, sever-
ing the spinal cord. He was borne off the field by his comrades,
and was sent to the Chesapeake Hospital, at Fortress Monroe. He
received every attention that the best medical and surgical skill
could devise, but all was in vain, the fatal shaft had sped, and his
life must ebb away. He died, on August 22, 1864, at Fortress
Monroe, Va., in the twenty-ninth year of his age.
The sad intelligence reached the writer, in another ward of the
hospital, telling that the friend, companion and coadjutor of those
months of toil and danger was now lying wounded near and must
die; and when the application to be carried to see him could not
be granted, for fear of danger to both, it was indeed realized how
stern were the vicissitudes of a soldier's fate! The denial must be
patiently borne, even as he^ whose spirit was passing away, was
bravely and patiently meeting the end, as he had always met every
duty in life; with a calm trust and confidence in God, who regardeth
integrity of purpose in the heart and giveth unto it his enduring
peace.
Young and gifted, with the brightness and joy of life yet before
him untasted, he obeyed the call of his country and devoted his
life to the path of duty, which he most nobly and faithfully followed
through those eventful years until, at his post,
'' He ha« fallen with his armor on,
And bis last breath crying onward I*'
But the brightness and the joy of his young life are not lost! nor
is the sacrifice in vain ! for the reward of the faithful and the pure
in heart are his forever, and his name is registered on the Roll of
Honor, immortal with the history and glory of the country his life
was freely given to save.
The following resolutions, adopted at a meeting of the Bar of
Chester County, are appended as a most fitting tribute to the worth
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PUBih liKiARY
ASTon t::;:x and
TiLDf '. f r -^AnONS.
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JOHN B. EVEBHABT, SUBGEON; BBEVET LIEUTENANT COLONEL. 443
and character of Capt. Carruthers from his brother members of the
legal profession:
At a meeting of the Bar, held at the office of Joseph Hemphill, Esq., August
25, 1864, the following preamble and resolutions, relative to the death of Capt.
Henry W. Carruthers, were adopted:
We have received the sad announcement of the death of Capt. Henry W.
Carruthers, Adjutant of the 97tTi Regiment, P. V. and a member of this Bar
Therefore, as a brief expression of our sorrow, be it
Besolvedy That in the death of our dear friend and brother, we feel that/one of
the best and most promising of our circle has been taken from us — one who
generously gave up his young life — so full of vigor and hope in defence of his
country.
The industry with which he pursued his preparatory studies for the Bar — the
energy with which he applied himself to the duties of his profession — his ho-
norable bearing — ^the courteous, the kind and gentle spirit which always graced
bis intercourse with us — his loyalty — his patriotism — his humanity — his courage
—and finally his heroic death, make his brave and beautiful life precious to all
bis friends and brethren.
In the manner of his death we are reminded that he is the fifth martyr from our
midst — and we fondly associate his name with the honored names of Bell, Ro-
berts, Mclntire and Nields — and will keep them all in affectionate remembrance.
Resolvedf That the members of the Bar, in a body, attend the funeral of the
deceased.
Resolved, That a copy of these resolution be furnished to the family of the de-
ceased, and that they be published in the newspapers of the Borough.
Jos. Hemphill, Chairman.
William T. Haines, Secretary.
John R. Evebhart, Surgeon Ninety-Seventh Regiment Penn-
sylvania Volunteers; Brevet Lieutenant Colonel U. S. Vols.
Dr. John Rospell Everhart comes of Revolutionary stock, both
of his grandfathers having been soldiers in Washington's Army.
His father, the late Hon. William Everhart, was captain of a vo-
lunteer rifle company, which he raised to serve in the last war with
England. He was a prominent merchant for fifty years, well known
in the American and some of the European cities as a man of busi-
ness capacity and credit.
In early life, going to Europe to facilitate arrangements for im-
porting merchandise, he was wrecked, in the Albion packet ship,
near Old Kingsale Head, on the coast of Ireland, a disaster long
memorable for the total loss of the vessel and almost all on board,
the other cabin passengers and nearly all the crew having perished
in the waves.
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444 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
Settling in West Chester, Pa., he gave the first impulse to the
improvement of that ancient borough by purchasing an adjoining
farm and laying it out in squares and streets, advantageously for
opening building lots.
During the early part of the Kansas-Nebraska struggle, he satis-
factorily represented the Chester and Delaware District in the Na^
tional Congress.
Dr. Everhart was born in West Chester, in 1828, received his
early education at the old academy and graduated at Princeton
College, N. J., in 1850. He then entered upon the study of medi-
cine and, three years later, received a physician's diploma from the
University of Pennsylvania. He soon afterward went to Paris in
order to further prosecute his studies in medicine and surgery, under
the most eminent professors of that city. Returning home he ac-
quired an excellent practice.
About 1859, when the Asiatic cholera broke out in the Chester
County Almshouse, assuming a very malignant type, he visited the
sick and tendered his aid to the attending physician. He was un-
usually fortunate in many surgical cases, and performed one of the
first successful operations for cataract in Chester County.
At the commencement of the rebellion, he received from the
State Board of Medical Examiners the appointment of surgeon an^
was assigned to the 97th P. V. His first duty in this capacity was
the examination and medical inspection of the men enlisted for that
Regiment. To his care, in this respect, was due the high physical
standard of the men accepted and passed for muster in the different
companies.
During the three and a half years of service, he earned the ap-
probation of both officers and men, through his diligence, skill
and courage, in attending the wounded on the field and the sick in
hospitals, especially during the prevalence of yellow fever among
the troops, at Hilton Head, S. C, in 1862, when, owing to his care
and skill in treatment and prompt and efficient sanitary regu-
lations, the disease was quickly subdued within the limits of his
command.
At that post, he was appointed a member of the Board of Medi-
cal Examiners for the Department of the South, by Maj. Gen.
Hunter. He also served for a considerable time as brigade sur-
geon upon the staff of Col. H. R. Guss, both in 1863 and 1864.
At Fernandina, Fla., in October, 1863, he was appointed post
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JOHN R. EVERHART, SURGEON ; BREVET LIEUTENANT COLONEL. 445
sugeon. His organization of that department of the service was
most efficient and complete, securing every convenience, comfort
and attention for the inmates of the post hospital, which also in-
cluded the custody and care of the sick prisoners, under sentence
of court-martial in the Department of the South,
Upon the occasion of an official visit of inspection by Lieut. Cols.
Michael R. Morgan and R. H. Jackson, the former commissary of
subsistence and the latter inspector general of the department, the
sanitary condition of the hospital ^vas pronounced by them as the
best of any they had inspected in the department. They compli-
mented Dr. Everhart very highly for his admirable management and
success in bringing his department into such order and excellent
condition ; a compliment most justly deserved. No surgeon in the
service could be more devoted in personal attention to the duties
entrusted to his charge, nor more faithful in attention to the men,
most especially on the field in action, where he was always found at
his post, and well up to the front, so as to be on hand, that when
any of the men fell they could receive immediate attention. It was
always feared that in looking afler the wounded he was too regard-
less of his own safety.
Dr. Everhart served continuously in the field from the time the
Regiment lefl Camp Wayne, November 16, 1861, until February
24, 1864, when he received a short leave of absence and returned
home. He was again at his post on March 17, having occupied
twenty days in making the trip, from Fernandina, Fla., to West
Chester, and return at a time when no important operations were
going on.
Upon the organization of the Army of the James, by Gen. B. F.
Butler, in May, 1864, Dr. Everhart was appointed brigade surgeon,
Ist brigade, 3d divisi6n, 10th Corps, in which capacity he continued
to serve during the campaigns of that army, participating in most of
the important operations of Grant's forces, before Richmond and
Petersburg, Va'. His services were always recognized as most effi-
cient and faithful, as well by his medical and surgical coadjutors as
by the men whose fortune it was to receive his professional attention
and considerate treatment. He continued upon duty afler the expi-
ration of the three years' term, until the close of active operations
north of the James River, and was then mustered out of service, at
Chapin's Farm, Va., November 12, 1864, having served three years
and three months. He subsequently received brevet promotion.
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446 HISTORY OF THE NINETT-8BVBNTH REGIMENT.
from Gov. A. G. Curtin, to rank as lieutenant colonel from October
31, 1864.
During the summer of 1872, he visited Europe, in company with
Maj. Gen. G. Pennypacker, and together they traveled extensively
through Qreat Britain and upon the continent.
George W. Hawkins, Captain Company I, Ninety -Seventh
Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers; Lieutenant Colonel.
George W. Hawkins* was born in Chester, Delaware County, Pa.,
November 18, 1827. He was the son of John Hawkins, a pro-
minent and highly esteemed citizen of the same county, who served
as a lieutenant of infantry in the war of 1812, and remained con-
nected with the army until the close of the war. The patriotic
element of his character was largely inherited by his son. When
quite a youth, the latter displayed those deep and true feelings of
patriotic zeal which characterized his after life. The down-trodden
and oppressed of every nation and every color found in him a truly
sympathizing friend. The voice of liberty in every clime found a
response in his unselfish heart.
At the time of the Crimean war, although quite young, he en-
countered a conflict of feeling, between the impulses of his enthu-
siastic nature on the one hand, while on the other were the demands
of duty to home and friends which bound him to his native land.
But when the trump of war sounded within the borders of his own
nation, love of country, that high and holy sentiment which stirs
every true man's soul, predominated over every other consideration.
Although his life had become enshrined in a home with wife and
children, held in deep and pure aflfection; repressing the promptings
of these ties, at the call of his country, he rallied beneath the folds
of her flag to lend his aid to preserve it from dishonor at the hands
of traitors.
On April 25, 1861, he enrolled his name as a private in the
Washington Grays, of Philadelphia, Capt. Thomas P. Parry, which
became Company A in the 17th P. V., commanded by Col. Francis
E. Patterson. The regiment served during the three months' cam-
paign, under Maj. Gen. Robert Patterson's command, in Maryland
and Virginia and the border counties of Pennsylvania.
"^^ Revised from a biographical sketch prepared by his wife.
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GEORGE W. HAWKINS, CAPTAIN COMPANY I. 447
This term of service was marked by no particular incident. At
its expiration, he received his discharge, at Harrisburg, Pa., August
2, 1861, and returned home, having served with credit with his com-
pany and Regiment.
From childhood, he had been a deep thinker and an attentive
reader; admiration for military history and characters led him to
study these with interest, thus becoming familiar with ideas of a
soldier's life. Actual service tended to develop that taste into an
ardor which found full opportunity for exercise in the service.
The rule with him was to make an object of whatever he under-
took. During the three months' service in the field, he had directed
his attention to the study of military tactics, theoretically and prac-
tically. This soon qualified him for position as an officer. Feeling
that his country still claimed his services, he devoted himself to the
work of raising a company.
Notwithstanding his earnestness, he found recruiting to be no
easy work, but his zeal never flagged. With his accustomed perse*
verance and industry, he worked on until his aim was accomplished
and the organization of his company on the way to success. It was
attached to the 97th Regiment, as Company I, in October, 1861.
The Regiment was ordered to the field at the opening of winter.
When it would seem that their homes were the most attractive, the
soldiers must leave them for the hard realities of war.
With his peculiar adaptation, both mentally and physically, for
the life he had chosen, Capt. Hawkins braced himself against all
inward struggles in preparation for the service which perhaps would
require his life in sacrifice. The duty in the Department of the
South, to which the Regiment was assigned, proved a severe tax
upon northern men; its effects began, to tell upon him with many
others of the Regiment. But he held out against every adverse in-
fluence, feeling that his place was there, and he dare not flinch.
He shared cheerfully in all the duties which fell to the lot of the
Regiment, participating in all its engagements, in some instances
occupying positions of importance with his company at the front.
His discernment of character and political events was strikingly
clear and correct. In a letter to a friend, in September, 1862, just
after the arrival of Gen. O. M. Mitchel, at Hilton Head, S. C, to
take command of the Department of the South, Capt. Hawkins
says: "Within a few weeks the command of this Department
has been transferred to Maj. Gen. O. M. Mitchel. He has already
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448 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
gained the confidence and respect of both officers and men by his
soldierly bearing, his intensq interest, his gentle firmness, and his
clear judgment. We see in him the " coming man," a leader who
will achieve something worthy of renown.'*
He read his noble general's qualities correctly, but his early death
he could as httle foresee as his own. Had Gren. MitchePs valuable
life been spared, who can tell what results might have followed from
his well-directed efforts.
In October, 1862, Capt. Hawkins was detailed upon recruiting
service and ordered to return to Pennsylvania. This was a happy
and unexpected change, affording him an opportunity of once again
meeting the dear ones at home, although a cloud had passed over
that home during his absence. The family circle had been broken,
the brightest and thriftiest bud had been nipped, by the frost of
death, and the little mound in the cemetery was all that was left
him of the happy rosy child he had treasured.
In the spring of 1863, he returned to South Carolina, where the
Regiment was still upon duty.
On the evening of July 18, 1863, during the assault upon Fort
Wagner, Capt. Hawkins was placed in temporary command of
Company H, which, with Companies A and F, under command of
Lieut. Col. Duer, were ordered to the front after the repulse of our
forces. Those companies held the line close to the walls of the fort,
during the entire night and the following day, until relieved after
dark. The position was one of great importance and danger.
His earnest devotion to duty rendered him peculiarly fitted for
the most active service — he was courageous to a fault and shrank
from no responsibility or danger ; no task was too arduous, no sacri-
fice too great. The duties were incessant during the summer and
the climate extremely trying to the health of the men.
In October, the Regiment was ordered to Florida for the winter.
By spring the condition of health was much improved. A portion
of the Regiment re-enlisted as veterans. Thirty-eight men of Com-
pany I consented to do so upon condition of Capt. Hawkins remain-
ing with them. This was unmistakable evidence of their apprecia-
tion of him as a leader.
The heavy re-enlistment in his company cheered him with the
hope of again seeing his home and friends ; but, owing to the fact
that other officers of the Regiment not having had an opportunity
of visiting their homes since entering the service, his anticipation
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GEORGE W. HAWKINS, CAPTAIN COMPANY I. 449
was preveated from being realized. He was never again permitted
to look upon the faces of those he loved so deeply.
In April, 1864, orders came to embark for the north, to join the
Army of the James, then being organized at Gloucester Point, Va.
This he regarded as an unfortunate move for the Eegiment, and
time proved it sadly. The mere fragment of officers and men who
survived that campaign attest how correct were his conjectures.
With the exception of a short time, previous to the expiration of
his term cf service, Capt. Hawkins participated in all the marches
and engagements before Richmond and Petersburg, at Swift Creek,
Drury's BluflF, Green Plains, Cold Harbor, Petersburg Heights,
Strawberry Plains and Deep Bottom, Va.
At Wier Bottom Church, on August 25, he commanded a detach-
ment of the Regiment and was ordered to advance and re-establish
the line at a point where the enemy had succeeded in breaking it.
This he did with a promptness and success that received the com-
mendation of those who witnessed the movement. Through all
these engagements he was carried in safety, until the day of the ex-
piration of his term of service and upon which he was to have been
mustered out, October 27, 1864. The forces were about to move
upon the enemy on that morning, at Darby Town, Va. Upon re-
ceiving information of this he claimed the opportunity of leading
the Regiment into action, though apprized by his brigade com-
mander of his privilege of exemption from duty as his term had ex-
pired. Being the senior officer present, he determined to lead the
Regiment in action and assumed the command. The enemy were
encountered at Darby Town, where a severe engagement ensued,
in which the gallant Ninety-Seventh Regiment again distinguished
itself, in an impetuous charge upon the enemy's works, where
Capt. Hawkins fell, severely wounded in the leg. After being
removed from the field, amputation was performed at the field hos*
pital, but he died soon after the operation, on the morning of the
28th. He was immediately buried, near the battle field, before
it was known by any of the Regiment that he had died. Qr. Mr.
Jones, upon making inquiry at the hospital, on that morning, as to
his condition and if he could see him, was astonished to hear that
he was dead and buried. He had the body disinterred at once,
embalmed and sent home to his family.
His funeral from his father's residence, in West Philadelphia, on
November 7, 1864, was attended by many friends who deeply
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450 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
sympathized with his bereaved family. A number of the members
of his Regiment were also present. His remains were laid in Momit
Moriah Cemetery, in his native county.
Upon receiving informatiom of his death, Gov. Curtin immediately
issued a commission as lieutenant colonel, and forwarded it to his
family in recognition of the services which had cost his life. A
well-merited tribute, no doubt, but of how little avail for the healing
of their grief.
Of Lieut. Col. Hawkins it might with much truth be said that his
devoted patriotism and unflinching bravery as a soldier, his high-
toned principles and dignity of purpose as a man and a citizen, ren-
dered his character such as society most needs. It was just such
citizens that, as soldiers of the Republic, were required to expiate
the sin of the nation.
When the clouds of anxiety and painful suspense which long had
weighed so heavily upon many hearts all over the land, had well
nigh scattered from about his home, and the star of expectation had
almost reached its zenith, there came the woeful message that was
to crush the loving hearts of his dear ones beyond a healing,
wrecking every promise and hope of earthly happiness forever.
What pen can describe the soul-saddening grief nigh unto despair
sent by such agonizing death messages into thousands of once happy
hearts and bright expectant home firesides, by this relentness, cruel
rebellion.
The following notice of the death of Lieut. Col. Hawkins, from
the Delaware County Republican, is selected from several others:
DsATH OF A Brave Soldier. — Capt. George W. Hawkins, of GompaDy I, 9Tth
Regiment, P. Y., was mortally wounded on the 27th alt., in an engagement with
the enemy, near Chapin's Farm, Ya., while in command of the Regiment, and
died the same evening at the 10th Corps Field Hospital. Capt. Hawkins was the
son of John Hawkins, of Upper Darby, and is the second son killed daring the
rebellion. He entered the 9 iTth Regiment three years ago, after serving with the
three months' men, and would have been mastered out of service the day after
bis death. He was in the battles at Morris Island, Drury's BlufP, Petersburg,
Strawberry Plains, Cold Harbor, Bermuda Hundred, and in all the different
skirmishes and engagements in Yirginia in which his Regiment participated
while he was attached to the army. On every occasion, he displayed great
courage, and was always at the head of his company in battle and in skirmish.
But few men better understood this terrible war. He saw and felt the necessity
of subjugating the enemy, and was anxious to employ every means at the dis-
posal of the Government to that end. He laid down his life for his country at
the age of thirty-seven years. His remains were taken to his parents' residence,
from whence they were interred.
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JOHN WAINWRIGHT, CX)LONEL. 451
Lieut. Col. Hawkins left a wife between whom and himself a pe-
culiarly tender attachment existed, whose naturally delicate consti-
tution, severely shattered by her bereavement, has had to encounter
alone the cares and anxieties attendant upon the necessity to pro-
vide for the maintenance and education of their four orphaned
children, two boys and two girls, the eldest at the time of their
fether's death just old enough to remember him when he left them
to go to the war, and to anticipate, with all the joyousness of
childish aflfection, the return and the fond embrace of a father's love
that was destined to meet such bitter disappointment. These now
mourn their loss in sad sacrifice of life's best hope. Yet with beau-
tiful resignation and patience they strive to prove brave and faithftil
to every duty — ^worthy wife and children of the patriot husband
and father.
John Wainwright, Colonel Ninety-Seventh Regiment Pennsyl-
vania Volunteers.
John Wainwright was the son of Samuel F. Wainwright, a native
of Rahway, N. J., but at the time of the birth of his son, July 13,
1839, a resident of Syracuse, N. Y. His mother's maiden name
was Maria Humphrey.
While their son was quite young, they returned to Rahway, for
a short time, and from thence removed to the city of New York,
where John received his education at the public schools.
In 1863, he removed with his parents to Delaware, where he
learned coach and ornamental painting.
At the breaking out of the rebellion, he was engaged at his oc-
cupation at West Chester, Pa. He was among the first to respond
to the call for volunteers, and enlisted April 18, 1861, as a private in
Company G (Capt. B. H. Sweeney), 2d P. V., for the three months*
service. His regiment served with Gren. Patterson's command in
Maryland, principally in the Shenandoah Valley, Martinsburg,
Charlestown, Harper's Ferry and vicinity. At the expiration of
this term of service he was honorably discharged, with his company,
at Harrisburg, Pa., July 26, 1861.
On September 23, 1861, he re-entered the service in Company F,
97th P. v., for three years; was appointed, by Capt. Lewis, Ist
sergeant of the company, same datej assigned to duty at Camp
Wayne, to drill and instruct the recruits for the company, and thus
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452 ^ HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
rendered valuable aid in perfecting the efficiency of the men whfle
at that place. He was promoted to 2d lieutenant of Company F,
January 10, 1862, at Hilton Head, S. C; was wounded on the night
of June 12, 1862, while on picket, on James Island, S. C, by a
musket shot through the right thigh, and was disabled in regimental
hospital for several weeks, under the care of Surgeon Everhart, to
whose faithfiil attention his rapid recovery was mainly owing.
Promoted to 1st lieutenant, March 1, 1863, at St. Helena Island,
S. C, detailed acting adjutant of the 97th P. V., by Special Order
No. 10, at Seabroqk Island, S. C, May 10, 1863, and was relieved
by Special Order No. 17, at the same place, June 11, 1863; was as-
signed temporarily to command of Company H, by Special Order
No. 20, at Seabrook Island, July 4, 1863, and was relieved by Spe-
cial Order No. 25, at Morris Island, S. C, September 7, 1863, and
directed to take command of Company F, in the absence of Capt.
Lewis on detached, service; participated in all the siege opera-
tions which resulted in the capture of Forts Wagner and Gregg.
He retained command of Company F until November 6, 1863.
He was assigned to command of Company I by Special Order No.
3, at Femandina, Fla., February 25, 1864; relieved and returned to
duty with Company F, by Par. I, Special Order No. 5, March 4,
1864; received fiirlough of thirty days to return home with veterans
of the Regiment, and left Femandina, March 27, 1864.
While at home on furlough, he was married, on April 18, 1864,
to Miss Emma M. Edwards, of Coatesville, Pa.
He rejoined the Regiment at Foster's Place, Va., May 14, 1864,
and was assigned to command of Company E, by Par. II, Special
Order No. 20, May 17, 1864; was relieved from command of Com-
pany E and assigned to command of Company F, by Par. Ill, Spe-
cial Order No. — , at White House, Va., June 13, 1864. About
August 26, 1864, he was temporarily in command of the Regiment
for a short time, as senior officer present during the absence of Maj.
Price in U. S. Hospital; was again detailed as acting adjutant of
the Regiment from September 14 to October 28, 1864; he then as-
sumed command of the Regiment as senior officer present for duty,
and retained the command except for a short interval during the
remainder of the war; was commissioned captain of Company F,
by Gov. Curtin, November 1, 1864, but declined muster, desiring
to be mustered out of service on account of expration of term.
He, however, remained in command of the Regiment, awaiting op-
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JOHN WAINWRIGHT, COLONEL. 453
portunity for discharge. Received honorable mention in Gen. B. P.
Butler's Congratulatory Order to the Army of the James, dated Oc-
tober 11, 1864, for conducting the Regiment in the assault upon the
rebel works at Spring Hill (Fort Gilmer), near Richmond, Va., Sep-
tember 29, 1864. He accompanied Gen. Butler's first expedition
against Fort Fisher, N. C, in December, 1864, and while leading
the Regiment in the final assault upon Fort Fisher, by Gen. Terry's
forces, January 15, 1865, received a slight wound in the right
shoulder from a spent grape shot. He was promoted, by order of
War Department, to brevet captain and brevet major, to date from
January 15, 1865, for gallant and meritorious service in storming
Fort Fisher, January 15, 1865.
He now determined to remain with the Regiment during the re-
mainder of the service. He was promoted to lieutenant colonel, to
date from January 15, 1865 ; but, owing to delay in receiving his
commission, was superseded in the command of the Regiment by
the return of Capt. William H. Martin, with the men left at
Chapin's Farm, Va. He having been mustered as captain of Com-
pany A, became senior in rank to Lieut. Wainwright, and assumed
command of the Regiment about February 15, 1864. Lieut. Wain-
wright was then detailed acting adjutant. With the Regiment he
participated in the movements of Gens. Schofield's and Terry's
forces, which resulted in the the capture of Wilmington, Groldsboro'
and Raleigh, and, with the other forces, had joined Sherman's
Army previous to Johnson's surrender.
Meanwhile, on April 19, 1865, he was mustered as lieutenant
colonel, at Raleigh, N. C, by Lieut. Seward, U. S. Commissary of
Musters, to rank from January 15, 1865, and resumed command,
retaining it until July 10, 1865, when he was assigned to command
of the post of Gaston, N. C, having been commissioned and mus-
tered cdand of the Regiment, June l5, 1865, to rank from June
1, 1865, vice Col. G. Pennypacker, promoted to brigadier general
U. S. Vols.
Col. Wainwright remained in command of the post at Gaston
until the muster-out of the Regiment at Weldon, N. C, August 28,
1865. He then conducted the Regiment to Philadelphia, Pa., where
at Camp Cadwalader the men were paid by Maj. D. Taggart and
finally discharged.
Col. Wainwright entered the service as a private and successively
held every intervening rank in his Regiment, to that of colonel, its
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454 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
highest officer. It is seldom that circumstances afford a similar op-
portunity for promotion. He was always a faithful and attentive
officer in every position, and well deserved the good fortune that
opened the way before him for advancement.
Since the close of the war, Col. Wainwright has resided in Wil-
mington, Del., engaged in mercantile business, where as a citizen
he is popular and highly esteemed.
William H. Martin, Lieutenant Colonel Ninety-Seventh Regi-
ment Pennsylvania Volunteers.
William Henry Martin was bom in Alleghany City, Pa., April
25, 1841. He was the son of William Martin, a native of Western
Pennsylvania, now, at an advanced age, a resident of Philadelphia,
with an only daughter.*
His mother, Catharine Amanda Peirce, died at Parkesburg,
Chester County, Pa., July 12, 1857, leaving a family of six children.
The family had removed to Chester County when William was
about two years of age, and continued to reside in the western sec-
tion of it, and in adjacent portions of Lancaster County, until the
rebellion occurred. William received a liberal education in the
neighboring schools, working upon the farm meantime, and had
learned the trade of a carpenter. When the news of the firing
upon Fort Sumter was received, his father said to his boys : " Go,
boys, to the war; don't let that glorious flag go down," and wished
he had more boys old enough for the service.f
Three sons enlisted, William entered the three months' service
as a private in Company A, 9th P. V., April 22, 1861. After his
return home, he re-enlisted for three years, in Company A, 97th
P. v., August 22, 1861, and was appointed a corporal to date from
muster. On September 10,*1862, at Hilton Head, S. C, he was
detailed with Capt. F. M. Guss, and others of the Kegiment, upon
♦Mr. Martin died, in Philadelphia, Pa., December 31, 1873, aged seveoty
years, eight moDtbs and ten days.
f Two brothers of Lieut. Col. Martin served in Company I, Uh Pennsylvania
Reserves. Both were captured at the battle of the Wilderness with others of their
regiment. The eldest, Gainer P. Martin, died from confinement and starvation,
at Andersonville, Ga., October 10, 1864, in that horrid prison pen. George, the
youngest, was paroled about the same time and reached home a mere skeleton,
the shadow of a man.
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WILLIAM H. MARTIN, LIEUTENANT COtONEL. 455
recruiting service in Pennsylvania. Upon their arrival at Harris-
burg, Pa., Corp. Martin was sent first to West Chester and after-
ward to Christiana, Lancaster County. He rejoined the Regiment,
at St. Helena Island, S. C, December 25, 1862. He re-enlisted as
one of the veteran volunteers, at Femandina, Fla., February 29,
1864, and returned home upon furlough with the other men of his
Regiment, March 27, 1864; having been promoted to sergeant,
March 4, 1864, rejoined the Regiment at Foster's Place, Va , May
14, 1864. On August 4, 1864, he was promoted to 1st sergeant, to
rank from July 1, 1864, and on October 4, 1864, he was promoted
to 2d lieutenant. As 1st sergeant, he commanded his company in
action, at Fort Gilmer, Va., September 29, 1864; as 2d lieutenant,
at Darby Town, October 7, and received honorable mention in Gren.
Butler's Congratulatory Order, October 11, 1864, being recom-
mended for promotion to 1st lieutenant. He was promoted to 1st
lieutenant, October 31, 1864. When the first expedition (under
Butler) started for Fort Fisher, N. C, 1st Lieut. Martin was left
at Chapin's Farm, Va., in charge of the camp and detachment of
the Regiment, mostly convalescents and men who had recently
joined.
On January 8, 1865, he was detailed as assistant acting adjutant
general on the staff of Col. Granger, 9th Maine, commanding
the detachment of the 2d division, in which capacity he served
until he was ordered with the detachment to rejoin the regiment
after the assault at Fort Fisher. Having been commissioned and
mustered as captain of Company A, to rank from January 1, 1865,
upon rejoining the regiment at Fort Fisher, N. C, he relieved
Lieut. Wainwright of the command and conducted the regiment
upon the advance through Wilmington, N. C, to Faisson's Station,
N. C. On April 19, 1865, he was superseded in' command by the
muster of Lieut. Col. Wainwright. On May 12, 1865, he was
detailed upon general court-martial, at Raleigh, N. C, by Special
Order No. 31, Head-Quarters 10th Corps.
On June 20, he was detailed to instruct the freedmen and others
in regard to their duties under the terms of the President's procla-
mation and to settle difficulties at contiguous plantations, in which
he was engaged two days, visiting various localities.
On June 21, he was again detailed upon general court-martial, at
Raleigh, N. C, by Special Order No. 74, Head-Quarters 10th Corps,
and again on July 11, 1865, by Special Order No. 90, Par. VI,
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456 HiSTowr op the ninety-seventh regiment.
Head-Quarters 10th Corps. The time engaged with each detail is
not given. He was mustered out with the Regiment, at Weldon,
N. C, August 28, 1865, and returned with the men to Philadelphia.
Lieut. Col. Martin returned to Raleigh, in November, 1865, where,
on November 16, he was married to Miss Mattie Louisa Kirkham,
youngest daughter of James H. Kirkham, Esq., whose acquaintance
he had made while stationed in that vicinity. He received the ap-
pointment of chief of police of the city of Raleigh, where he has
since continued to reside.
Ret. William M. Whitehead, M. D., Chaplain Ninety-Seventh
Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers.
William M. Whitehead was born December 12, 1823, in Phila-
delphia. In early years he experienced strong religious convictions,
and at the age of sixteen was baptized at Kaighn's Point.
After some preparatory training he entered Madison University,
N. Y., in 1844, where a remarkable deepening of his religious con-
victions occurred.
His ordination to the work of the ministry took place in the Cal-
vary Church in 1850.' The Beulah Church, Chester County, was
the scene of his earliest ministerial labors.
In 1852, he assumed the charge of the Frankford Church, where
he labored seven years with great acceptance.
In 1858, he removed to Great Valley, Chester County. This
pastorate he resigned after four years, to accept the chaplaincy of
the 97th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, November, 1861. He
continued with the Regiment during most of the year 1862. His
health becoming impaired, he resigned and was honorably dis-
charged, August 20, 1862.
In April, 1863, he settled in McKeesport, Alleghany County,
Pa. Here he became endeared to many. In 1866, he accepted the
call of the New Britain Church, in the eastern section of the State.
A growing family and an inadequate salary prompted him to pur-
sue a course of medical studies preparatory to practice in the heal-
ing art. He entered, in 1871, upon his joint duties as pastor and
physician in Woodbury, N. J. He had at intervals suffered from a
return of chronic diarrhoea contracted in the service. This now in.
creasing, he was prostrated on a bed of pain; after lingering many
months he died, January 30, 1*873. Buried at Great Valley Church.
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BOSTER AND RECORD OF SERVICE; FIELD OFFICERS. 457
CHAPTER XIV.
EOSTER AND RECORD OP SERVICE; FlELD AND StAFF; BaN ; COM-
PANIES A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I and K.
PON this roster and record of service are briefly
presented all the changes and promotions in the
field, staff' and company officers, and those of the
enlisted men, who received promotion while in the
service, together with a statement of casualties,
deaths and discharges; compiled from the regi-
mental and company records, with the dates all
carefully noted so far as could be ascertained.
There may be a few errors and omissions, almost
impossible to have been avoided, in the compilation from so large a
number of names, dates and events. These, it need hardly be
stated, were altogether as unintentional as unavoidable.
OOLONBLS.
Henry R. Ouss, West Chester; com. July 25, '61; mus. into service at Hilton
Head, S. C, to date from Oct. 24, '61, to rank from date of commission;
first entered U. S.* serrice as capt. of Co. A, 9th Regt. P, V., for 3
mos., April 22, '61. and served until July 29, '61; commanded post at
Hilton Head, S. C, from Aug. 1 to Sept. 22, '62; again from Oct. 80 to
Nov. 10, '62; commanded 1st brig., 1st div., 10th corps, from April 3 to
June 15, '63 ; again from Aug. 1 to Oct. 1, '63 ; was in command of post at
Femandina, Pla., from Oct. 5, '63, to April 1, '64; then received his first
leave of absence to accompany the re-enlisted veterans of his regt.,
returning home for 80 days' furlough; rejoined regt. at Drury's Bluff,
near Richmond, Ya., May 14, '64, and was assigned to command of Ist
brig., 3d div., 10th corps, with Army of the James, until May 28, '64,
when assigned to command of 3d brig., 2d div., 10th corps, which com-
mand he retained until June 2, '64, when he tendered bis resignation to
the commanding general, which being accepted, June 22, '64, he was
hon. dis., having served nearly 8 yrs. with faithfulness and great de-
votion to the duties of every command ; he was subsequently promoted
to the rank of brev. brig, and brev. maj. gen., U. S. Vols., to rank from
March 13, '65.
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458 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT;.
Galasha Peunypacker, West Chester; pr. from Heat, cpl; first entered service
as priv. in Co. A, 9th Regt. P. V., for 3 mos, April 22, '61, and pr. to
qr. mr. sergt. of regt. and was acting qr. mr. daring most of the term;
re-entered service as capt., Co. A, 97tb P. V., Aug. 22, '61, and pr.
to maj. Oct. 7, '61; was in command of regt., at Camp Wayne, during
the organization of the regiment, until Oct. 16, '61; and at Hilton Head,
S. C, from Sept. 12 until Sept. 22, '62; again at Morris Island, S. C,
from July 20 (interrupted at intervals by illness) to Sept. 15, '63; again
at Fernandina, Fla., in command of regt. and of post, from April I to
April 23, '64; then relieyed in command of post of Fernandina; com-
manded regt. in the James River expedition until May 20, '64, when
w'd 3 times, on the same day, in action at Green Plains, Bermuda Hd.,
Ya.; again resumed command of regt. as lieut. col. Aug. 13, '64; having
been mustered on that date, to rank from April 3, '64; commanded centre
div. of brig. (76th and 97tb P. V.) in an advance upon the enemy's lines,
near Deep Bottom, Ya., Aug. 14, '64; led his regt. continuing the ad-
vance, near same place, Aug. 15, '64; on which date he was mua. coL of
the regt, to rank from June 22, '64; on Aug. 16, commanded regt, in
action at Strawberry Plains, Va.; continued in command of regt until
Sept 15, '64, when assigned to command of 2d brig., 2d div., lOtb corps,
then on duty in the trenches before Petersburg, Ya., where it continued
until near the end of Sept, '64; commanded brig, in action at New
Market Heights and Fort Gilmer, Ya., Sept 28 and 29, '64; being w'd
and his horse killed under him in the latter action ; commanded his brig,
in action at Darby Town Koad, Oct 7; again at Darby Town, Oct.' 29, '64;
with his brig, accompanied Oen. Butler's expedition against Fort Fisher,
Dec, '64,; led his brig., the second in the assault, upon Fort Fisher,
N. C, Jan. 15, '64, when be was severely wounded (supposed mortally),
pr. to brev. brig, gen., XJ. S. Yols., to rank from Jan. 15, '65; pr. to
brig, gen., XJ. S. Yols., Feb. 18, '65, and to brev. maj. gen., U. S. Yols.,
March 13, '65; res. and hon. dis.. May 1, '66; having served 5 yrs. and
11 days; appointed col. 34th Infty, U. S. Army, Dec. 1, '66, to rank from
July 28, '66; pr. to brev. brig, gen., U. S. Army, and to brev. maj. gen.
U. S. Army, March 2, '67; transferred to command of 16tb Infty, U. S.
Army, March 25, '69. [Com'd in Dept South, hd.-qrs. Nashville, Tenn.
John Wainwright, West Chester; pr. from lieut col. June 15, '65, to rank firom
June 1, '65; first entered service as priv. in Co. G, 2d P. V., for 3
mos., in April, *61; entered 3 yrs. service Sept. 23, '61, as 1st sergt., Co.
F, 97th P. Y.; pr. to 2d lieut. Jan. 10, '62; w'd at James Island, S. C,
June 9, '62; pr. to 1st lieut March 9, '63; com. capt Co. F, 97th P. Y;
Nov. 1, '64; not mus.; was in com'd of regt, as senior 1st lieut, from
Oct 28, '64, until Feb., '65; was w'd while leading the regt in the assault
upon Fort Fisher, Jan. 15, '65; was act'g adjt of regt from Feb., '65,
until April 19, when com. lieut col., to rank from Jan. 15, '65, then re-
sumed com'd of the regt; retained it until July 10, '65, when, as col., he
was assigned to com'd of post at Oaston, N. C; mus. out, with regt,
WeldoD, N. C, Aug. 28, '65, per S. 0. 154, C. S., hd.-qrs. Dept N. C,
dated Aug. 16, '65.
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ROSTER AND RECORD OP SERVICE; FIELD OFFICERS. 459
LIEUTENANT COLONELS.
Augustus P. Duer, Penningtonville, Chester Co.; entered military academy (en-
gineeriDg department), at West Point, July I, '37; ap. lieut. col. Oct. 7,
'61; com'd regt. during a portion of the time it remained at Camp Wayne,
West Chester; was again in com'd at Hilton Head, S. C, Sept. '62; at
Seabrook Island, May, '63,; and at St. Helena, S. C, was in com'd of con-
valescent camp, from June 20 to Sept. 30 '63; res. and hon. dis. at Hilton
Head, S. C, April 3, '64; S. 0. 131, hd.-qrs. Dept. South, April 3, '64.
Galusha Pennypacker; pr. from maj., to rank from April 3, '64; mus. Aug. 13,
'64; pr. to col, to rank from June 23, '64.
Oeorge W. Hawkins, Delaware Co.; pr. from capt. of Co. I, after death, being
mortally w'd while in com'd of regt. in action, Oct. 27, '64, at Darby
Town Road, Va., not mus.; died of w'ds Oct. 28, '64. [Term of service
exp. on the day he was w'd.]
John Wainwright; pr. from 1st Heat. Co. F; com. and mus. April 19, '65, to rank
ftom Jan. 15, '65; pr. to col. June 1, '65.
William H. Martin, Lancaster Co.; pr. from maj. June I, 65; not mus.
MAJORS.
Oalasha Pennypacker; pr. from capt. Co. A. Oct. 7, '61; pr. to lieut. col. April
3, '64.
Isaiah Price, West Chester; pr. from capt. Co. C, April 3, '64; com'd regt.
during a portion of the siege at Morris Island, S. C, from July to Oct '63 ;
again from May 20 to Aug. 13, '64; w'd in action at Green Plains, Ber-
muda H'd, Va., May 20, '64; mus. out at Burmuda H'd, Ya., Sept. 17,
'64, at exp. of term as capt. Co. C. [Prevented from mus. as mi^. on
acct. of absence of Col. Pennypacker, w'd; since received pr. as brev.
lieut. col. and brev. col., to date from Sept. 19, '64.
William H. Martin; pr. from capt. of Co. A, Mai^ch 15, '65, to rank from Jan.
15, '65; pr. to lieut. col. June 1, '65; mus. out with regt. Aug. 28, '65; vet.
Leonard R. Thomas, Mortonville, Chester Co.; pr. from capt. Co. C, June 1, '65;
not mus.; mus. out as capt. Co. C, Aug 28, '65.
ADJUTANTS.
Henry W. Carruthers, West Chester; pr. from 1st lieut Co. C. Oct. 31, '61;
first entered service as priv. in Co. A, 9th P. V., April 22, '61, for 3 moa;
com. 1st lieut. Co. C, Sept. 11, '61; pr. to adjt. Oct. 31, '61; act. asst.
adjt. gen. on staff of Col. H. R. Ouss, from Aug. 18 to Sept. 24, '62 ; again
from April 3 to June 15, '63; again from Aug. 1 to Oct. 1, '63, at Morris
Island, S. C; ap. post adjt. and act. asst. insp. gen. of post of Fernandina,
Fla., from Oct. 5, '63, to April 1, '64; accompanied re-enlisted vets, of
regt. home on furlough; rejoined regt. May 14, '64; then ap. A. A. A. Oen.
of 1st brig. 3d div., 10th corps, until June 4, '64; pr. capt. of Co. C, 97th
P. v., to rank from April 3, '64; not mus.; severely w'd in action at Straw-
berry Plains, Ya., Aug. 16, '64; died of w'ds Aug. 22, '64, at Chesapeake
Hosp. Fortress Monroe, Ya.
Elwood P. Baldwin, West Chester; pr. from 1st sergt. Co. H, to 1st lieut. and
adjt May 26, '65; mus. out with regt. Aug. 28, '65, at Weldon, N. C.
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460 HISTORY OP TH£ NINETY-SEViaTTH REGIMENT.
QUABTER MASTERS.
David Jones, West Chester; com. Oct. 31, '61; first entered service as 1st lieot.
Co. F, 9th P. v., April 22, '61, for 8 mos.; com. 1st Heat. Co. H, 97th
P. v., Oct. 19, '61; ap. post qr. mr. at Hilton Head, S. C, from Aug. 18,
'62, to Oct. 1, '63; ap. post qr. mr. at Fernandina, Fla., from Oct. 7, '63,
to Feb. 25, '6i; again from March 27, '64, to April 23, '64; ap. act. asst.
qr. mr. 10th corps, from April 25, to Oct. 20, '64; hon. dis. at Chapin's
Farm, Va., Oct. 31, '64, at exp. of term. [Since rec'd, from Gov. Curtin,
brev. pr. as capt., to date from Oct. 81, '64, and, from Gov. Q^ary, brev.
pr. as maj. to date from Oct. 31, '64.]
George L. Taggart, Chester Co.; pr. from qr. mr. sergt. to 1st lieut and qr. mr.,
to rank from Oct. 31, '64; ap. not accepted; dis. Aug. 30, '64, at exp.
of term. [Com. dated Jan. 1, '65.]
John H. Brower, Chester Co.; pr. from qr. mr sergt. to 1st lieut. and qr. mr.,
June 7, '65; mus. out with regt. at Weldon, N. C, Aug. 28, ^65.
8UROE0NB.
John R. Everhart, West Chester; com. and mus. Oct. 14, '61, for 3 jrs.; act.
brig, surg., on staff of Col. Guss, from April 3 to Maj 1, '63; again from
Aug. 1 to Oct. 1, '63 ; ap. post surg. at Fernandina, Fla., from Oct. 5, '63,
to April 22, '64; act. brig. surg. 1st brig., 3d div., 10th corps from May 1
to Nov. 12, '64; hon. dis. at Chapin's Farm, Va., at exp. of term. [Since
rec'd, from Gov. Curtin, brev. pr as lieut. col., to date from Oct. 31, '64.]
Pennock J. Nichols, Chester Co.; ap. Feb. 27, '65; first entered service as asst.
surg., 58th P. v., Aug. 2, '62; was health officer of post at Washington,
N. C, from Jan. 11 to April 25, '64; chief surg. of Art'y brig., 18th corps,
from Sept. 16, '64, to March 12, '65; ordered to 97th P. V. as surg. of
that regt, then at Faisson's Station, N. C, and mus. as surg. March 25,
'65; act. brig. surg. of 2d brig., 2d div., 10th corps, from April 5 to July
10, '65; hon. dis. with regt. at Weldon, N. C, Aug. 28, '65. '
ASSISTANT SURGEONS.
George W. Miller, Philadelphia; com. and mus. Oct. 14, '61, for 3 jrs.; ap. to
charge of a ward in XJ. S. Gen. Hosp., at Hilton Head, S. C, from Oct 1,
'62, to Oct. 1, '66; hon. dis. at Hilton Head, S. C, April 25, '64, to accept
promotion as surg. in 50th P. Y.; not mus., as the regt. was below the
minimum number. [Com. surg. of 52d P. V., June 7, '64; declined; ap.
asst surg. at Summit House Hosp., Philadelphia, from June 14, '64, to
March 16, '65; det. in charge of prov. marshal's office, Washington, D. C,
until March 25, '65; com. 1st asst. surg., 4th regt, Hancock's 1st Corps,
det in charge of hosp., at Camp Stoneman, until June 27, '65; sub-
sequently enlisted as priv. in Co. E, 8th XT. S. Cav., serving in Arizona
Territory; ap. hosp. stew'd at Camp Whipple; dis. Sept 7, '69; died at
Wickenberg, A. T., Sept 27, '69.]
William C. Morrison, Chester Co.; com. Aug. 1, '62; assigned to regt and joined
Sept. 5, '62; temp'y det. for duty with bat of 24th Mass. from July 10,
'63, to Aug. 6, '63 ; again to 4th N. H. Yols., Sept., '64; again to 9th Maine
Vols., Oct, '64; res. and was hon. dis. at Chapin's Farm, Va., Jan. 1, '65.
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ROSTER AND RBCX)RD Of SERVICE; NQN-COMMISSIONED STAFF. 461
CHAPLAINS.
William M. Whitehead, Chester Co.; com. and mus., Nov. 19, '61, for 3 yrs.;
res. OQ account of failing health ; hon. dis., at Hilton Head, S. C, Aug.
20, '62.
Dayid W. Moore, Centreville, Delaware State; com, June 7, '64; joined regt.,
near Petersburg, Va., July 16, '64; res. on account of failing health from
exposure; hon. dis. at Chapin's Farm, Va., Nov. 21, '64.
SEBOEANT MAJORS.
George A. Lemaistre, Philadelphia; pr. from sergt., Co. H, Oct. 31, '61; pr. to
2d lieut., Co. H, April 30, '62 ; com. rec'd June 22, '62.
Samuel W. Hawley, Chester Co.; pr. from corp., Co. C, June 6, '62; w'd in
action at Swift Creek, near Petersburg, Va., May 9, '64 ; mus. out Sept.
17, '64, at exp. of term.
Cheyney T. Haines, Chandlerville, Chester Co.; pr. from corp., Co. Q# Sept 18,
'64; pr. to 1st lieut., Co. G, Nov. 2, '64.; vet.
Henry B. Coates, Philadelphia; pr. from corp., Co. K, Jan. 1, '65; mus. out
witb regt. at Weldon, N. C, Aug. 28, '66 ; vet.
QUABTSR-MASTEB SEBOEANTS.
James T. Skiles, Chester Co.; pr. from corp., Co. B, Oct. 29, *61 ; pr. to 2d lieut.,
Co. B, Dec. 16, '62; com. rec'd. May 27, '63; mus., June 19, '63. *
George L. Taggart, Coatesville; pr. from priv., Co. A, S. 0. 20, h'd-qrs. 97th
P. v., July 1, '63; mus. out Aug. 30, '04, at exp. of term; ap. qr. mr.;
com. rec'd, Jan. I, '65, but did not accept.
Leonard B. Thomas, Mortonville; pr. from corp., Co. C, Sept. 1, '64; pr. to 2d
lieut., Co. C, Sept 23, '64; not mus,; pr. to 1st lieut, Co. C, Nov. 2,
'64; vet,
John H. Brower, East Vincent; pr. from corp., Co. F, Jan. 1, '65; pr. to Ist lieut.
and qr. mr., May 1, '65; mus. July 10, '65, to rank from June 7, '65; vet,
David B. Cochran, Media; pr. from sergt., Co. Q, July 19, '65 ; mus. out with
regt. at Weldon, N. C, Aug. 28, '65; vet. [Died at home, Delaware Co.,
Pa., Oct 26, '69.]
OOMMJ80ABT SERGEANTS.
Thomas McKay, West Chester; pr. from sergt, Co. A, pet. 29, '61; mus. out
Aug. 30, 64, before Petersburg, Va., at exp. of term,
Dallas Crow, Sadsbury ville ; pr. from sergt, Co. B, Sept. 1, '64; pr. to 1st
lieut, Co. B, Dec. 1, '64; mus. March 21, '66, to fank from March 1,
'65; vet.
Washington W. James, Bdgemont, Delaware Co.; pr. from corp., Co. G, April 1,
'65; pr. to capt, Co. G, May 1, '65; mus., July 10, '65, to rank from May
26, '65; vet.
Caleb Mercer, Coatesville; pr. from sergt, Co. P, July 19, '65; mus. out with
regt. at Weldon, N. C, Aug. 28, '65; vet.
HOSPITAL STEWARDS.
Htrmon Heed, West Chester; pr. from priv., Co. H, Oct 29, '61 ; dis. on surg.
cert, at Hilton Head, S. C, Sept 3,. '62.
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462 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
Reuben H. Smith, M. D., Media; pr. from Ist sergt., Co. G, Sept. 4, '62; hon.
dis. at Hilton Head, S. C, March 27, '63, to accept prom. [Ap. asst. sarg.
of Vols., April 18, '63, and assigned to duty with board of enrolment
to report to pro7. marsh., at West Chester; hon. dis., June 15, '65, ia
consequence of suspension of draft and rect service ; ap. asst. surg. 45th
P. v., July 6, '65; mus. out with regt. at Alexandria, Va., July 17, '65.] .
John Y. McCarter, Upper Oxford; pr. from corp., Co. C, April 1, '63; mus. oat
before Petersburg, Va., Sept. 17, '64, at exp. of t^rm.
Madison Lovett, Colerain, Lancaster Co.; pr. from corp., Co. A, Sept. 18, '64;
det. as attendant at field hosp., lOth Corps, uear Wilmington, N. C, Jan.
23, '65; mus. out with regt. at Weldon, N. C, Aug. 28, '65; vet,
PRINOIPAL MUSICIANS.
James St. John, Sr., Philadelphia; ap. Oct. 29, '61, for 3 jrs.; was in war of
1812 as drummer boy; in regular army for 5 yrs.; served as drum maj. in
Mexican war; in 3 mos. service, from April 22, '61, as drum maj. 9th
P. Y.; enlisted in 97th P. Y., Aug. 22, '61, and ap. principal musician;
mus. out in accordance with O. O. 126, War Dept., and S. 0. 327, Dept.
of the South, Hilton Head, S. C, Oct 13, '62 ; re-enlisted as drummer
in Co. D, Nov. 26, '62, and re-ap. principal musician., May 1, '63 ; hon.
dis. before Petersburg, Ya., Sept. 14, '64, by reason of age and failing
health ; having served faithfully with regt over 3 yrs.
Casper C. Fahnestock, Jr., Paoli; first entered service as fifer, Co. E, 9th P. Y.,
in 3 mos. service, and was acting fife maj. of regt.; pr. from musician,
Co. E, Nov. 16, '61; mus. out in accordance with O. 0. 126, War Dept.
and S. O. 327, Dept of the South, at Hilton Head, S. C, Oct 13, '61.
[Re-entered the service for 3 yrs., as fifer in 186th P. Y., Jan., '64, and
mus. out with regt Aug. 15, '65.]
John Parsons, Jr., Media; pr. from musician, Co. I, March 1, '64; w'd in action
at Foster's Place, Bermuda H'd, Ya., May 18, '64; died of w'ds in hosp.,
at Fortress Monroe, Ya., May 25, '64 ; vet. [Bu. rec. May 25, '64, at
Hampton, Ya.]
James J. Wilson, England, pr. from musician, Co. C, June 20, '64; w'd in
action near Petersburg, June 25, 64; dis., Sept 10, '64, at exp. of term.
Milton S. Taylor, West. Chester; pr. from fifer, Co. H, Sept 18, '64; mus. out
with regt at Weldon, N. C , Aug. 28, '65; vet,
John Weber, Oxford; pr. from corp., Co. P, May 20, -65; mus. out with regt.
at Weldon, N. C, Aug. 28, '65 ; vet.
OUSS FBNOIBLBS OOBNET BAND.
John H. Taylor, leader. West Chester; mus. in Co. H, Oct 10, '61, for 3 yrs.
sick leave of absence granted Nov. 30, '61, at Washington, D. C; never
returned to regt.; hon. dis. Aug. 31, '62, in accordance with O. 0. 91;
War Dept [Re-entered service for 3 yrs., Jan., '64, as fifer in 186th,
P. Y., and pr. to fife maj.; mus. out with regt., Aug. 15, '65.]
George P. Ellinger, leader, Lancaster City; mus. as leader, Oct. 24, '61; mus-
out Aug. 31, '62, in accordance with G. O. 91, War Dept [Re-entered
3 yrs. service as leader, 87th P. Y., 3d div., 6th corps; was taken pris.]
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ROSTER AND RECORD OP SERVICE; GUSS FENCIBLES BAND, 463
Hiram Shenk, E flat coi^net, Marticville, Lancaster Co.; mas. in Go. H, Oct. 15,
161, for 3 yrs.; dis. by G. 0. 91, War Dept, Aug. 31, '62.
Francis T. Brubaker, E flat comet, Strasbarg, Lancaster Co.; mus. in Co. H,
Oct. 10, '61, for 3 yrs.; dis. by G. O. 91, War. Dept., Aug. 31, '62. [Re-
entered service for 3 yrs., Jan., '64, as fifer, 186th P. V.]
Samuel Bookman, B flat cornet, Marticville, Lancaster Co.; mus. in Co. H, Oct.
15, '61, for 3 yrs. [Re-entered service in fall of '64 in band of 203d
P. v.; mus. out with regt. June 22, '65.]
Bernard Reed, B flat comet. West Chester; mus. in Co. H, Oct. 10, '61, for 3
yrs.; dis. by G. O. 91, War Dept.. Aug. 31, '62. [Died Sept., '71.]
John Steube, B flat cornet, Strasbarg, Lancaster Co.; mus. in Co. H, Oct. 10,
'61, for 3 yrs.; dis. by G. 0. 91, War Dept., Aug. 31, '62.
Amos McFalls, alto, Marticville, Lancaster Co.; mus. in Co. H, Oct. 15, '61, for
3 yrs.; dis. by G. 0. 91, War Dept., Aug. 31, '62.
Thomas H. Windle, alto, Coatesville; mus. in band Oct. 28, '61; dis. on account
of disability on surg. cert, at Edisto, S. C, Hay 22, '62. [Re-entered
service June 16, '63, in Capt. Alban H. Meyer's Independent Pa. Cav.
for emergency, and was dis. with co. as corp., July 31, 63. Elected Clerk
of Courts of Chester Co., Pa., for 3 yrs., Oct. 13, '63.]
William H. H. Taylor, alto, Chester, Delaware Co.; mus. in band, Oct. 24, '61,
for 3 yrs.; dis. by G. 0. 91, War Dept., Aug. 31, '62.
George W. Meyers, alto, Strasburg, Lancaster Co.; mus. in Co. H, Oct. 10, '61,
for 3 yrs.; dis. on surg. cert, at Edisto, S. C, April 22, '62. [Since
died at home.]
Christian Roecker, tenor, West Chester; mus. in Co. H, Oct 10, '61, for 3 yrs.,
dis. by G. O. 91, War Dept., Aug. 31, '62. [Died at home, Sept. 19, '67,
and buried with military honors.]
John M. Kay, tenor, Chandlerville; mus. as musician in Co. A, Sept. 16, '61, for
3 yrs.; dis. on surg., cert at Hilton Head, S. C, Jan. 19, '62. [Since
died at home.]
Gabriel Spence, baritone, Marticville, Lancaster Co.; mus. in band, Oct. 24, '61,
for 3 yrs; taken pris'r in action at Secession ville, James Island, S. C,
June 16, '62; paroled Dec. 6, '62, and dis.
William C. Hemphill, baritone. West Chester; mus. in Co. H, Oct 15, '61, for
3 yrs.; dis. by G. 0. 91, War Dept, Aug. 31, '62.
William Dalling, basso. West Chester; mus. in Co. H, Oct 10, '61, for 3 yrs.;
dis. by G. 0. 91, War Dept, Aug. 31, '62. [Re-entered service April, '63;
in band of 2d brig., 2d div., 2d Corps ; mus. out with band Dec, '63.]
Bernard Roecker, basso. West Chester; mus. in Co. H, Oct. 10, '61, for 3 yrs.;
dis. by G. 0, 91, War Dept, Aug. 31, '62.
Richard M. Lovell, basso, Chandlerville; mus. in Co. H, Oct 15, '61, for 3 yrs.;
trans, from basso to alto, Feb. 1, '62; dis. by G. 0. 91, War Dept, Aug.
31, '62.
Austin M. Pithian, tenor drum. West Chester; mus. in Co. H, Oct 15, '61, for
3 yrs.; dis. by G. 0. 91, War Dept, Aug. 31, '62. [Re-entered service
April, '63, in band of 2d brig., 2d div., 2d corps; mus. out Dec, '63; again
re-entered service as drammer in 186th P. V.; mus. out with regt Aug.
15, '65.]
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464 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
Willie S. St. JobD, tenor dram, Philadelphia; mug. in band, Oct. 24, '61. for 3
yrs.; dis. by G. 0. 91, War Dept., Aug. 31, '62; re-enlisted as drommer
in Co. A, 97tb P. V., Sept. 81, '62, for 3 yrs.
John L. Hosmer, bass drnm, Newtown Square, Delaware Co., mus. in Co. H,
Oct. 10, '61, for 3 yrs.; dis. by G. O. 91, War Dept., Aug. 31, '62. [Re-
entered service for 9 mos., in Co. I, ll^th Pa. drafted militia; pr. 2d
lieut, Jan. 1, '63; mus. out with regt. Aug. 7, '63.]
Harrison Taylor, cymbals, West Chester; mus. in band, Oct 25, '61, for 3 yrs.;
left at West Chester, Nov. 16, '61; marked upon rolls as a deserter; sab-
sequently reported mus. out Aug. 31, '62. [Re-entered service for 3 yrs.,
Jan., '64, as drummer in 186th P. V.; dis. with regt., Aug. 15, '65.]
P. Atwood Gould, cymbals. West Chester; mus. in Co. H. Nov. 9, '61, for 3 yrs.;
trans, to band, same date, vice H. Taylor, absent ; served with band until
its discharge, Aug. 31, '62; returned to Co. H; dis. on surg. cert, (pros-
tration from yellow fever,) at St. Helena Island, S. C, Dec., 10, '62. [Re-
entered service April, '65, in band of 2d brig., 2d div., 2d corps; mus. out
Dec, '63; again in service, Feb., '64, as 1st duty sergt., Co. M, 20th Pa.
Cav.; pr. 2d lieut., April, 23, '65; mus. out with Co. C, 1st Pa. Cav. July
13, '65.]
COMPANY A, GUSS riNOIBLSa
Capt. Galusha Pennypacker, 19 yrs., learning printing, West Chester; first entered
service as priv., Co. A, 9th P. Y., April 22, '61, and pr. to sergt and to
qr. mr. sergt; mus. out July 29, '61; mus. capt. Co. A, Aug. 22, '61, for
3 yrs.; pr. to maj,, Oct. 7, '61.
Capt. Francis M. Guss, 31 yrs., livery keeper. West Chester; first entered service
as 1st lieut Co. A, 9th P. V., April 22, '61; mus. out July 29, '61 ; elected
capt Co A, 97th P. V., Oct 12, '61 ; mua Oct 21, '61, for 3 yrs.; w'd at
Foster's Place, Bermuda H'd, Ya., May 18, '64 ; dis. for w'ds on surg.
cert, at Annapolis, Md., Oct 3, '64.
Capt William H. Martin, 20 yrs., carpenter, Christiana, Lancaster Co.; first en-
tered service as priv., Co. A, 9th P. V., April 22, '61; mus. out July 29,
'61; mus. Aug. 22, '61, for 3 yrs.; ap. 3d Corp.; pr. to 2d corp.. May 1, '62,;
to 1st Corp., Jan. 9, '63; pr. to 4th sergt, March 4, '64; vet; re-mus.
March 16, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; pr. to 1st sergt, Aug. 22, '64; pr. to
2d lieut, Oct 4, 64 ; pr. to Ist lieut, Oct. 21, '64; pr. to capt, Jan. 1, '65;
pr. to maj., March 1, '65, to rank from Jan. 15, '65.
Capt Lewis E Humpton, 20'yrs., miller, Penningtonville ; mus. Aug. 22, '61, for
3 yrs.; vet] re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Jan. 1, '64; pr. to corp. Oct
10, '64; pr. to sergt, Nov. 24, '64; pr. to 1st sergt., Dec. 4, '64; pr. to capt,
Feb. 28, '65, to rank from Jan. 15, '65 ; res. and hon. dis , at Raleigh, N.
C, May 22, '65.
Capt Kobert L. Black. 20 yrs., blacksmith, Ctatesville; first entered service as
priv., Co. F, 9th P. V., April 22, '61; mus. out July 29, '61; mus. as priv.,
Co. A, Aug. 22, '61, for 3 yrs.; w'd at John's Island, S. C, June 7. '62;
vet'j re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Jan. 1, '64; pr. to corp, Oct 10, '64;
pr. to sergt, Nov. 24, '64; w'd at Fort Fisher, N. C, Jan. 15, '65; pr. to
1st lieut, Feb. 28, '65; mus. March 15, '65; com. papt, June 15, '65; not
mus.; mus. out with company as Ist lieut, Aug. 28, '65.
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ROSTER AND RECORD OF SERTICE; COMPANY A. 465
Ist Lieut. Lewis Y. Evans, 21 yrs., blacksmith, West Chester; first entered
service as 1st. sergt, Co. A, 9th P. V., April 22, '61; mas. out July 29,
'61; mus. 1st. lieut, Co. A, Aug 22, '61, for 3 yrs.; pr. to capt., Co. G,
97th P. v., May 1, '62. [See Co. G.]
let Lieut. William Peace, 28 yrs., bricklayer, Coatesville; mus. as 2d lieut., Co.
A, Aug. 22, '61, for 3 yrs.; pr. to 1st. lieut.. May 1, '62; res. and hon. dis.,
at Fernandina, Fla., Feb. 18, '64, by S. 0. 63, Dept. South.
Ist Lieut. Abel Griffith, 21 yrs., carpenter, West Chester; first entered service as
Corp., Co. A, 9th P. V., April 22, '61; mus. out July 29, '61; mus. Aug.
22, '61, and ap. 2d sergt., Co. A; pr. to 1st sergt. May 1, '62; vet\ re-
mus. March 16, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; pr. to 1st lieut., March 4, '64;
w'd at Foster's Place, Bermuda H'd, Va., May 18, '64; dis. for w'ds on
surg. cert., at Annapolis, Md., Sept. 14, '64, at exp. of term.
Ist Lieut. Henry T. Gray, 24yrs., farmer, Concordville, Delaware Co.; rec't;
mus. March 10, '62, for 3 yrs.; pr. to 8th corp,, Aug. 1, 64; pr. to sergt.,
Aug. 23, '64; pr. to 1st sergt., Oct. 4, '64; pr. to 1st lieut., Dec. 4, '64,
not accepted ; mus. out as 1st sergt.. May 9, '65, at exp. of term.
Ist Lieut. Frank C. Henry, 19 yrs., iron moulder, Coatesville; mus. as priv. Aug.
22, '61, for 3 yrs.; vet] re-mus, March 16, '64, tp date Feb. 29, '64;
pr. to Corp., Nov. 24, '64; pr. to sergt., Feb. 1, '65; pr. to 1st sergt.. May
10, '65; pr. to 2d lieut., mus. May 26, '65, to rank from May 1, '65; pr. to
1st lieut., June 15, '65; not mus.; mus. out with co. as 2d lieut., Aug. 28,
'65. [Re-entered service in XJ. S. A., Oct, '66 ; pr. to 1st sergt., Co. K,
24th Inft'y; dis. at Vicksburg, Miss., June, '68]
24 Lieut. Thomas E. Weber, 22 yrs., gas fitter. West Chester; first entered
service as corp. Co. A, 9th P. V., for 3 mos., April 22, '61; mus. Aug.
22, '61, for 3 yrs.; ap. 1st sergt.; pr. to 2d lieut., May 1, '62; w'd at
James Island, S. C, June 9, '62; tr. to U. S. Signal Corps, March 31, '63,
2d Lieut. Isaac J. Burton, 32 yrs., cabinet maker, Coatesville; mua Aug. 22,
'61, for 3 yrs.; ap. 4th sergt.; pr. to 3d sergt., Oct. 29, '61; pr. to 2d
sergt.. May 1, '62; pr. to 2d lieut., March 4, '63; w'd near Petersburg,
Va., July 24, '64; dis. for w'ds from XJ. S, Hosp. at Annapolis, Md., Oct.
3, '64, at exp. of term.
2d Lieut Joseph Phillips, 20 yrs., farmer, Ridley, Delaware Co.; mus. as priv.
Aug. 30, '61, for 3 yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64;
w'd near Petersburg, July 17, '64; pr. to corp., Feb. 1, '65; pr. to sergt.,
March, 10, '65 ; pr. to 1st sergt, June 14, '65 ; pr. to 2d lieut., to rank from
June 15, '65; not mus.; mus. out with co. as 1st sei'gt., Aug. 28, '65, at
Weldon, N. C.
Ist Sergt. Jarvis J. Budolph, 27 yrs., stone mason, Coatesville; mus. Aug. 22,
'61, for 3 jrrs., ap. 1st corp.; pr. to 5th sergt., Nov. 1, '61; pr. to 4th
sergt.. May 1, 62; pr. to 3d sergt., Jan. 9, '63 ; pr to 1st sergt, March 4,
'64; w'd at Foster's Place, Bermuda H'd, Va., May 18, '64 ; mus. out Aug.
22, '64, at exp. of term. [Died at home of consumption. May 9, '69.]
Sergt. Thomas McKay, 20 yrs., carpenter. West Chester; first entered service as
Corp., Co. A, 9th P. V., April 22, '61, for 3 mos.; mus. Aug. 22, '61, for 3
yrs.; ap. 3d sergt.; pr. to com. sergt, Oct 29, '61; mus. in non. com.
staff, April 28, '62.
30
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466 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
Sergt. John Brabaker, 19 yrs., clerk, PeDDingtoDville; mus. Aug. 22, '61, for S
yrs., ap. 5th sergt.; pr. to 4th sergt, Oct. 29, '61; pr. to 3d sergt, May
1, '62; reduced to ranks, Jan. 9, '63. [See list of privates.]
Sergt William L. Morris, 23 yrs., school teacher, Oak Hill, Lancaster Co.; mus.
Aug. 22, '61, for 3 yrs., ap. 2d Corp.; pr. to 1st corp. April 28, '62; pr. to
5th sergt., May I, '62; pr. to 4th sergt., Jan. 9, '63; pr. to 2d sergt
March 4, '64; w'd slightly in head, July 15, '64, near Petersburg, Va.;_
mus. out Aug. 22, '64, at exp. of term.
Sergt. Benjamin F. Stackhouse, 28 yrs., house painter, Concordville, Delaware
Co.; mus. Aug. 22, '61, for 3 yrs.; ap. 5th corp.; pr. to 4th corp., April 28,
'62; pr. to Ist corp.. May 1, '62; pr. to 5th sergt., Jan. 9, '63; pr. to 3d,
sergt. March 4, '64; vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Jan. 1, '64; mor-
tally w'd in action, at Malvern Hill Road, Va., Aug. 16, '64; died of w'ds
on board transport George A. Leary, James River, on the way to hosp.
at Fortress Monroe, Ya.. Aug. 19, '64.
Sergt Jeptha Clark, 18 yrs., farmer, Coatesville; mus. as priv., Aug. 22, '61, for
3 yrs.; vet\ re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; pr. to corp., Feb.
1, '65; pr. to sergt, May 1; '65; mus. out with co., Aug. 28, '65.
Sergt James P. Smedley,' 25 yrs., farmer. East Whiteland ; mus. priv. Aug. 30,
'61, for 3 yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; pr. to
corp. Jan. 1, '65; pr. to sergt. May 1, '65; mus. out with co., Aug. 28, '65.
Sergt Allison Gibson, 35 yrs., joiner. Oak Hill, Lancaster Co.; rec't; mus.
as priv., Oct. 17, '62, for 3 yrs.; pr. to corp. and to sergt., dates unknown ;
mus out with co., Aug. 28, '65.
Corp. George Ellam, 21 yrs., wood turner, Coatesville ; mus. Aug. 22; '61, for 3 yrs;
ap. 4th Corp.; pr. to 3d corp., Jan. 9, '63; vet.; re-mus. March 16, '64, to
date Feb. 29, '64; missing in action at Fort Gilmer, Va., Sept 29, '64;
was a pris'r until May '29, '65, when exchanged and sent to Camp Parole,
Columbus, Ohio, and there dis. by G. 0., July 27, '65.
Corp. Harry L. Pyott, 26 yrs., carpenter, Willistown; mus. Aug. 22, '61, for 3
yrs.; ap. 6th corp.; pr. to 3d corp.. May 1, '62 ; pr. to 2d corp., Jan. 9, '63;
pr. to 1st Corp., March 4, 64 ; mus. out Aug. 22, '64, at exp. of term.
Corp. Reese Elmer Welch, 20 yrs., farmer, Honeybrook; mus. Aug. 22, '61, for
3 yrs.; ap. 7th corp.; pr. to 5th corp.. May 1, '62; pr. to 4th corp., Jan, 9,
'63; pr. 3d corp., March 4, '64; mus. out Aug. 25, '64, at exp. of term.
Corp. Jacob Daubman, 21 yrs., carpenter, Philadelphia; mus. Aug. 22, '61, for
3 yrs.; ap. 8th corp.; pr. to 7th corp., April 28, '62; pr. to 6th corp.. May
1, '62; pr. to 5th corp., Jan 9, '63; pr. to 4th corp., March 4, '64; w'd at
Green Plains, Bermuda H'd, Ya., May 20, '64; mus. out Aug. 22, '64, at
exp. of term.
Corp. Alfred B. Peace, 24 yrs., stone mason, Coatesville; mus. as priv., Aug. 22,
'61. for 3 yrs.; ap. 8th corp., April 28, '62, to date from Nov. 1, '61 ; pr. to
7th Corp., May 1, '62; pr. to 6th corp., Jan. 9, '63; pr. to 5th corp., March
4, '64 ; mus. out Aug. 22, '64, at exp. of term.
Corp. Madison Lovett, 19 yrs., farmer, Colerain, Lancaster Co.; mus. as priv. Aug.
22, '61, for 3 yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Jan. 1, '64; pr. to
8th Corp., March 4, '64; pr. to 7th corp., July 1, '64; w'd slightly, July
16, '64, in trenches, near Petersburg, Va.; pr. hosp. steward. Sept 18, '64.
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ROSTER AND RECORD OF SERVICE; COMPANY A. 467
Corp. Nathaniel R. Cowan, 21 yrs., carpenter, Churchtown, Lancaster Co.; mug.
as priv., Aug. 30, '61, for 3 yrs.; ap. 8th corp., May 1, *62; pr. to 7th corp.,
Jan. 9, '63; pr. to 6th corp., March 4, '64; w'd in action at Oreen Plains,
Bermuda H'd, Ya., May 20, '64; dis. from McClellan Hosp., Philadelphia,
Nov. 3, '64, at exp. of term.
Corp. John T Taylor, 21 yrs., farmer, Oak Hill, Lancaster Co.; mus. as priv.,
Aug. 22, '61, for 3 yrs.; pr. to 8th corp., and detailed on color guard, Jan.
9, '63; pr. to 7th corp., March 4, '64; killed in action, with color guard, at
Petersburg Mine, Va., July 30, '64 ; body left on the field, the enemy
haying occupied the position before it could be recovered.
Caleb B. Moore, 31, yrs., blacksmith. Oak Hill, Lancaster Co.; . rec't; mus.
as priv., Oct 16; '62, for 3 yrs.; pr. to 8th corp., July 1, '64 ; w'd near
Petersburg, Va., July 16, '64; dis. for w'ds on surg. cert., April 22, '65, at
U. S. (Jen. Hosp. at Portsmouth, Va.
Corp. John T. Carpenter, 18 yrs. farmer, Coatesville ; rec't; mus. as priv..
May 10, '64, for 8 yrs ; pr. 4th corp., July 19, '65 ; mus. out with co., Aug.
28, '65.
Corp. Taylor Richardson, 25 yrs., farmer, Milltown; mus. as priv., Aug. 22, '61,
for 3 yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Jan. 1, '64; pr. to corp.,
Aug. 18, '65; mus. out with co., Aug 28, '65.
Musician Edward R. Eisenbeis, 23 yrs, printer, West Chester; mus. Aug. 22
'61, for 3 yrs.; was co. and regt. clerk during most of term; mus. out
Aug. 2!2, '64, at exp. of term.
Musician John M. Kay, 29 yrs., musician. West Chester; mus. Sept. 16, '61, for
3 yrs.; tr to regt. band, Oct. 24, '61.
Musician Willie St. John, 12 yrs., drummer, Philadelphia; first entered service in
band, 97th P. V., Oct. 24, '61; dis. Aug. 31 and re-mus. as musician in
Co. A same date; dis. Aug. 22, '64, by order of Maj. G^en. B, P. Butler, at
exp. of term. [Died at his home, in Philadelphia, of consumption, '73.]
Teamster Isaac P. Chandler, 26 yrs., wagoner, Doe Run; mus. Aug. 22, '61,
for 3 yrs.; mus. out Aug. 22, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Albright, Henry, 32 yrs., miller, Christiana, Lancaster Co.; rec't mus. Sept.
23, '62, for 3 yrs., accidentally w'd in hand at Paris Island, S. C, Feb.
24, '63; died of brain fever. May 19, '64, at brig, hosp., Bermuda H'd, Va.,
bu. in Poplar Grove Cem., Petersburg, Va., div. D, sec. H, grave 115.
Priv. Bavington, Jacob H, 19 yrs., farmer, Coatesville; mus. Aug. 22, '61, for 3
yrs.; dis. on surg. cert., April 10, '64, and died of consumption, April 20,
'64, at Fernandina, Fla.; bu. in cem., near Old Town.
Priv. Brower, Joseph Q, 20 yrs., farmer, Honeybrook ; mus. Aug. 22, '61, for 3
yrs.; dis. on surg. cert., at Hilton Head, S. C, April 19, '62.
Priv. Brubaker, John; from sergt Co. A, Jan. 9, '63; dis. on surg. cert., Mareh
4, '63, at Hilton Head, S. C. [Died at home.]
Priv. Cass, George W., 23 yrs., stone mason, Willistown; mus. Aug. 22, '61, for
3 yrs.; mus. out Aug. 22, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv." Chandler, Alexander M., 25 yrs., farmer. Doe Run; mus. Aug. 22, '61, for
3 yrs.; mus. out Aug. 22, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Clark, James Y., 19 yrs., machinist, Coatesville; mus. Aug. 22, '61, for 3
yrs.; mus. out Aug. 22, '64, at exp. of term.
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468 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
Priv. Clark, William H., 21 yrs., painter, Coatesville; mns. Aug. 22, '61, for 3
yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Jan. 1, '64; mortally w'd hj
picket firing, near trenches in front of Petersburg, Va., July 29, '64; died
of w'ds, at field hosp., 18th corps, near Petersburg, Ya., July 30, '64.
Priv. Cochran, Lewis, 22 yrs., carpenter, Concordville, Delaware Co.; mua Aug.
22, '61, for 3 yrs.; mus. oat Aug. 22, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Daropman, John, 25 yrs , miller, St. Mary's, Chester Co.; mus. Aug. 22,
'61, for 3 yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; capt'd in
action at Strawberry Plains, Ya., Aug. 16, '64; pris'r until Feb., '65;
died at home, March, '65.
Priv. Day, William, 41 yrs., shoemaker, Phoenixville; rec't; mus Oct. 28, '62,
for 3 yrs.; capt'd in action at Green Plains, Bermuda H'd, Ya., May 20,
'64; died in pris. at Andersonville, Qa., Aug. 1, '64; grave 4499.
Priv. Dowlin, John W., 28 yrs., farmer, Guthrieville; mus. Aug. 22, '61, for 3
yrs.; dis. on surg. cert, at Fernandina, Fla., April 10, '64.
Priv. Eisenbeis, Robert M., 22 yrs., morocco finisher, West Chester; rec't; mus.
Sept. 23, '62, for 3 yrs.; w'd in action at Oreen Plains, Bermuda H'd,
Ya., May 20, '64; died of w'ds at Hammond Hosp., Point Lookout, Md.,
May 24, '64.
Priv. Ford, John W., 23 yrs., farmer, Penningtonville; mus. Aug. 22, '61, for 3
yrs.; veL; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; mis. in action at
Fort Gilmer, Ya., Sept. 29, '64; supposed to have died while pris'r.
Priv. Given, Joseph D., 20 yrs., carpenter, Steeleville; mus. Aug. 22, '61, for 3
yrs.; w'd near Petersburg, Ya., July 13, '64; mus. out Aug. 22, '64, at
exp. of term.
Priv. Given, William, 21 yrs., carpenter, Steeleville; mus. Aug. 22, '61, for 3 yrs.;
w'd in action at Green Plains, Bermuda H'd, Ya., May 20, '64 ; mus. oat
Aug. 22, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Goodwin, Ezra G., 18 yrs., carpenter. East Goshen; mus. Aug. 22, '61, for
3 yrs.; dis. on surg. cert, at Fernandina, Fla., Dec. 9, 63. [Re-entered
thfe service in '64.]
Priv. Gray, Isaac W., 19 yrs., miller, Embreeville; mus. Aug. 30, '61, for 3 yrs;
w'd in action at Wier Bottom Church, Bermuda H'd, Ya., Aug. 26, '64;
mus. out Aug. 30, '64, at exp. of term. [Re-entered service March, '65,
for 1 yr., in Co. F, 3d Regt. XJ. S. Yet. Infty. Corps, Hancock's div.; pr.
to Corp. and to sergt.]
Priv. Griffith, John M., 21 yrs., saddler. East Nottingham; mus. Aug. 22, '61,
for 3 yrs.; dis. on surg. cert, at North Edisto, S. C, May 10, '62; died at
home July 17, '62.
Priv. Grofif, John A, 28 yrs., teacher, Coatesville; rec't; mus. March 24, '65, for
1 yr.; was first assigned to Co. I; then to Co. A; mus. out with co.,
^ Aug. 28, '65. [Had previously served as 2d lieut., Co. A, 124th P. Y.,
for 9 mos.; also as 2d lieut, Co. P, 192d P. Y.; since dis. from 9'7th P. Y.;
was elected Recorder of Deeds for Chester Co., Oct. 12, '69, for 3 yrs.,
and fulfilled the duties with fidelity and satisfaction.]
Priv. Guest, John, 21 yrs., farmer, Loag's Comer; rec't; mus. Aug. 9, '62, for
3 yrs.; mortally w'd on picket line near Petersburg, Ya., July 4, '64 ; died
of w'ds same day at field hosp., 18th corps.
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ROSTER AND RECORD OP SERVICE; COMPANY A. 469
Pri7. Haines, James M., 23 yrs., painter, Coatesville ; mus. Aug. 22, '61, tot 3
yrs.; tr. to Battery E, 3d U. S. Ari'y, Nov. 16, '62.
Priv. Handwork, Henry, 20 yrs., blacksmith, Loag's Corner; mus. Aug. 22, '61,
for 8 yrs.; w'd in action at Green Plains, Bermuda H'd. Va., May 20, '64 ;
died of w'ds at Point Lookout Hosp., Md., June 11, '64.
Priv. Hannum, George B., 24 yrs, farmer, London Brittoin; mus. Aug. 22, '61,
for 3 yrs; dis. at U. S. Hosp., Philadelphia, Pa., Oct. 3, '64, at exp. of
term, [Died at home, Oct. 30, '65.]
Priv. Hardcastle, Joseph; 19 yrs., farmer, Willistown; mus. Aug. 22, '61, for 3
yrs.; w'd in action at Poster's Place, Bermuda H'd, Va., May 18, '64 ;
died of w'ds at U. S. Hosp., Hampton, Va., Oct 8, '64.
Priv. Hawkins, George W., 21 yrs. paper maker, Coatesville; mus. Aug. 22, '61,
for 3 yrs.; mus. out Aug. 22, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Hollahan, John H., 19 yrs., farmer, Wilmington, Del; mus. Aug. 22, '61,
for 3 yrs.; dis. by order of Sec. of War, Nov. 7, '62. [Since re-entered
service in 15Tth P. V.; pr. to corp.; mus. out with regt., June 28, '66.]
Priv. Humpton, Robert H., 19 yrs., wheelwright, Coatesville; mus. Aug. 30,»
'61, for 3 yrs.; mus. out Aug. 30, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Hutton, Samuel, 21 yrs., farmer, Strickersville ; mus. Aug. 22, '61, for 3
yrs.; absent sick at Haddington Hosp. Philadelphia, from May 30, '64,
until mus. out Oct. 4, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. James, Jacob B., 18 yrs., farmer, Embreeville; mus. Aug. 22, '61, for 3
yrs.; dis. on surg. cert, at Fortress Monroe, Va., Dec. 8, '61. [Re-entered
service Aug., '62, as priv., Co. G, 124th P. V., for 9 mos.; pr. to corp.;
dis. with regt. May 16, '63; again re-entered the 3 yrs'. service Feb., '64,
as priv., Co. M, 20th Pa. Cav.; mus. out with regt. July 13, '66.]
Priv. King, Benjamin F., 19 yrs., farmer, Oak Hill, Lancaster Co.; mus. Aug.
30, '61, for^ yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Jan, 1, '64; w'd in
action at Foster's Place, Bermuda H'd, Va., May 18, '64; died of w'ds
at Hampton Hosp., Fortress Monroe, Va., June 4, '64.
Priv King, Jeremiah, 20 yrs., wheelwright, Oak Hill, Lancaster Co.; mus. Aug.
30, '61, for 3 yrs.; mus. out Aug. 22, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Kirk, Chanlee, 19 yrs., iron moulder, Coatesville; mus. Aug. 22, '61, for 3
yrs.; mus. out Aug. 22, '64, at exp. of term. [Re-entered service for
1 yr. in 9th Regt., XJ. S. Vet. Infty., Hancock's 1st corps; died at
home, in Philadelphia, April, '69.]
Priv. Lawrence, Jacob, 21 yrs., farmer, Honeybrook; mus. Aug. 22, '61, for 3
yrs.; died of typhoid fever at North Bdisto, S. C, May 17, '62.
Priv. Matthews, George P., 22 yrs., farmer, Thomdale; mus. Aug. 22, '61, for 3
yrs.; mus. out Aug. 22, '64, at exp. of term. [Re-entered service March,
'65, for 1 yr., in Co. A, 3d Regt., U. S. Vet. Infty. Hancock's 1st corps.
Priv, McDonald, John, 18 yrs., wheelwright, Embreeville, mus. Aug. 30, '61, for
3 yrs.; mus. out Aug. 30, '64j at exp. of term. [Re-entered service March
11, '65, for 5 yrs., in U. S. Marine Corps; pr. to 1st sergt.]
Priv. Mercer, John, 22 yrs., produce dealer, Coatesville; mus. Aug. 22, '61, for
3 yrs; mus. out Aug. 22, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Mercer, William, 24 yrs., iron moulder, Downingtown; mus. Aug. 22, '61,
for 3 yrs; mus. out, Aug. 22, '64, at exp. of term.
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470 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
Pri\r. Miller, Thomas J., 22 jrs., farmer, Outhrieville ; mus. Aug. 22, '61, for 3
yrs; tr. to U. S. Signal Corps, Feb. 29, '64, S. 0. 96, War Dept. A. G. 0.
[After dis. enlisted for 3 yrs., in U. S. A., Nov., '66; pr. to com. sergt. in
3d U. S. Cav.]
Priv. Minster, George M., 18 yrs., farmer, Coatesville; mus. Aug. 22, '61, for 3
yrs.; mus. out Aug. 22, '64, at exp. of term. [Re-entered service, April,
'65, for 1 yr., in 9th Regt. U. S. Vet. Inf., Hancock's 1st Corps. Subse-
quently enlisted in 7tb Cav. U. S. A. for 3 yrs.]
Priv. Moore, Abner, 21 yrs., carpenter, Honeybrook; mus. Aug. 22, '61, for 3 yrs.;
mus cut, Aug. 22, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Morris, Joseph P., 31 yrs., farmer. Oak Hill, Lancaster Co.; mus Aug. 22,
'61, for 3 yrs; mus out Aug. 22, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. O'Neil, Edward, 20 yrs., tallow chandler. West Chester ; mus. Aug. 22, '61,
for 3 yrs.; dis. on surg. cert, at Hilton Head, S. C, Nov. 15. '62. [Re-
entered 3 yrs. service, Dec. 26, '63, in Co. E, 112th P. V. (2d Heavy
Arty.); mus. out with co. as 1st sergt., Jan. 29, '66.]
Yriv. Parsons, Thomas C, 22 yrs., carpenter, Concordville, Delaware Co.; mus.
Aug. 22, '61, for 3 yrs; tr. to U. 8. Signal Corps, Oct. 13, '63, G. 0.
344, War Dept A. G. 0. [Pr. to corp. and sergt.; dis. Aug. 18, '66.]
Priv. Pasmore, Horace, 26 yrs., butcher, Gap, Lancaster Co., mus. Aug. 22, '61,
for 3 yrs., died of chron. diar., at Fernandina, Fla., Nov. 18, '63.
Priv. Pawling, Isaac M., 21 yrs., blacksmith, Coatesville ; mus. Aug. 22, '61, for
3 yrs.; mus. out Aug. 22, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Pharaoh, Richard E., 18 yrs., farmer, Willistown; mus. Aug. 22, '61, for
3 yrs.; vet.; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Jan. 1, '64; w'd and capt'd at
Strawberry Plains, Va., Aug. 16, '64; soon ex. and tr. to Co. A, 11th
Regt. Vet. Res. Corps. [Dis. July 22, '65.]
Priv. Phillips, Jonathan, 22 yrs., miller, Chadsford; mus. Aug. 22, '61, for 3
yrs.; dis. on surg. cert, at Bdisto, S. C, May 10, '62 ; re-enlisted in Co. A,
Aug. 13, '62; joined co. Sept. 25, '62; w'd severely in right thigh, at
Foster's Place, Bermuda H'd, Ya., May 18, '64 ; dis. at Chestnut Hill
Hosp., Philadelphia, March 21, '65. [Died of w'ds May 13, '65.]
Priv. Pomroy, George, 19 yrs., blacksmith, Kelly ville, Delaware Co.; mus. Aug.
22, '61, for 3 yrs.; absent, sick in XT. S. Hosp., from May 3, '64, until dis.
Oct., '64, at exp. of term. [Re-entered service Feb. 26, '6t, in Co. K, 28th
Infty. U. S. A.]
Priv. Rennard, Harry C, 23 yrs., farmer, Chester Valley; mus. Aug. 22, '61, for
3 yrs. ; w'd in action at Foster's Place, Va., May 18, '64 ; dis. from XJ. 8.
Hosp., Newark, N. J., Aug. 26, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Ringler, Thomas, 25 yrs., farmer, Perkiomen Bridge, Montgomery Ca;
mus. Aug. 22, '61, for 3 yrs.; vet.; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Jan. 1,
'64; w'd in action at Foster's Place, Bermuda H'd, Va., May 18, '64; ab-
sent in U. S. Hosp. at Annapolis, Md. at mus. out of regt.; dis. from
Chestnut Hill Hosp., Philadelphia, Sept. 9, '65.
Priv. Robinson, Joseph P., 20 yrs., wheelwright. Oak Hill, Lancaster Co.; mus.
Aug. 30, '61, for 3 yrs.; mus. out Aug. 30, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Ross, Ephraim L., 23 yrs., farmer, McWilliamstown; mus. Aug. 22, '61,
for 3 yrs.; mus. out Aug. 22, '64, at exp. of term.
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RECORD AND ROSTER OF SERVICE; COMPANY A. 471
Priv. Ruhl, Augustus, 30 yrs., cooper, Philadelphia; rec't; mus. Aug. 13, '62, for
3 yrs.; dis. on surg. cert, at Hiltou Head, S. C, March 27, '63. [Died
at home, Philadelphia, Oct. 19, '69.]
Pri7. Shoemaker, Edwin, 24 jrs., iron founder, Coatesville; inus. Aug. 22, '61,
for 3 yrs.; mus. out Aug. 22, '64, at ezp. of term.
Priv. Smedley, Thomas D., 27 yrs., house painter, Kadnor, Delaware Co.; mus.
Aug. 30, '61, for 3 yrs.; mus. out Aug. 30, '64, at exp. of term.
Pri7. Starts, William H. H., 19 yrs., farmer, Dilworthtown; mus. Aug. 22,
'61, for 3 yrs.; w'd in action at Foster's Place, Bermuda H'd, Va.,
May 18, '64; dis. from U. S. Hosp., Newark, N. J., Aug. 26, '64, at exp.
of term.
Priv. Steele, Joseph, 36 yrs., stone mason, West Whiteland, mus. Aug. 22, '61,
for 3 yrs.; vet; re-mus, March 16, '64, to date Jan. 1, '64; killed in action
at Strawberry Plains, Va., Aug. 16, '64.
Priv. Stone, Charles A., 24 yrs., farmer, Mortonville, Chester Co.; mus. Aug. 22,
'61, for 3 yrs.; mus. out Aug. 22, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Stoops, Jesse C. D., 20 yrs.; blacksmith. New London; mus. Aug. 22, '61,
for 3 yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; killed in action
at Foster's Place, Bermuda H'd., Va., May 18, '64, bu. in Nat. Cem.,
City Point, Va., sec. A, div. 4, grave 77.
Priv. Stott, Joseph Edward, 18 yrs., painter, Coatesville; mus. Aug. 22, '61,
for 3 yrs.; mus. out Aug. 22, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Stott, William Sylvester, 24 yrs., iron moulder, West Chester; mus. Aug.
22, '61, for 3 yrs ; mas. out Aug. 22, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Strode, Jacob C, 19 yrs., farmer, Coatesville; mus. Aug. 80, '61, for 3
yrs.; mus. out Aug. '30, 64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Taggart, Gtoorge L., 18 yrs., clerk, Coatesville; mus. Aug. 30. '61, for 3
yrs.; pr. to qr. mr. sergt., July 1, '63.
Priv. Talbot, Jacob B., 18 yrs., farmer, Honeybrook; mus. Aug. 22, '61, for 3 yrs.
w'd by shell at Fort Gregg, Morris Island, S. C, Sept. 10, '64; mus. out,
Aug. 25, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Talley, Hailman P., 18 yrs., clerk, West Chester; mus. Aug. 22, '61, for
3 yrs.; mu». out Aug. 22, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Taylor, David M., 21 yrs., clerk. Oak Hill, Lancaster Co.; mus. Aug. 22,
'61, for 3 yrs.; mus. out Aug. 22, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Thomas, Joseph L., 19 yrs., blacksmith, Oxford; mus. Aug. 22, '61, for 3
yrs.; dis. on surg. cert, at Fernandina, Fla., April 10, '64.
Priv. Thompson, George W., 19 yrs., farmer, London Grove; mus. Aug. 22, '61,
for 8 yrs.; mus. out Aug. 22, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Thompson, Lafayette, 18 yrs., farmer, London Grove; mus. Aug. 22, '61,
for 3 yrs.; mus. out Aug. 22, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Townsend, Caleb, 32 yrs., cordwainer, Coatesville; mus. Aug. 30, '6^, for
3 yrs,; dis. on surg. cert, at Hilton Head, S. C, Jan. 11, '62. [Re-entered
service during emergency in '63.]
Priv. Valentine, Joseph E., 18 yrs., news agent. West Chester; mus. Aug. 22,
'61, for 3 yrs.; mus. out Aug. 22, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Whiting, Benjamin F., 24 yrs., cedar cooper. West Chester; mus. Aug. 22,
'61, for 3 yrs.; dis. on surg. cert, at Hilton Head, S. C, Nov. 15, '62.
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472 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
Pri7. Wilkinson, Joseph W., 19 yrs., farmer, Kimbleville; mus. Aug. 22, '61, for
3 yrs.; dis. on surg. cert at Hilton Head, 8. C, April 19, '62.
Priv. Winkler, Joseph, 23 jrs., stone mason, Manayunk, Philadelphia; mas.
Aug. 22, '61, for 3 yrs.; mus. out Aug. 22, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Wright, Andrew K., 18 yrs., machinist, Coatesville; mus. Aug. 22, '61, for
3 yrs.; w'd in action, at Green Plains, Bermuda H'd, Va., May 20, '64;
dis. from Broad Street Hosp., Philadelphia, Aug. 22, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Yarnall, Vernon, 20 yrs, farmer, Doe Run; mus. Aug. 22, '61, for 3 yrs.;
vet.; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; mor. w'd while on duty
in sap, near Cemetery Hill, Va., midnight, July 13, '64, and died within
an hour at field hosp., 18th corps; bu. in Nat. Cem., City Point, Va., sec.
D, di7. 1, grave 85.
Priv. Yocum, Joseph L., 18 yrs., blacksmith, West Chester, mus. Aug. 22, '61,
for 3 yrs.; died at Jacksonville, Fla., April 3, '62.
Priv. Young, John Sylvester, 21 yrs., farmer, Philadelphia, rec't; mus. Sept.
25, '62, for 3 yrs., w'd accidentally in hand, July 30, '63 ; tr. to Vet
Res. Corps, Jan. 1, '65.
Since joined — Drafted and SubsiUutes,
Sergt. John Harman, sub.; Oct. 22, '64, for 1 yr.; pr. to corp. May 10, '65; pr.
to sergt. July 19, '65; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Corp. Nathaniel Whitebread, sub., Oct. 22, '64, for 1 yr.; pr. to corp. May 10,
'65; dis. at XJ. S. Hosp., Newborn, N. C, June 7, '65.
Corp. Lewis Larrison, drafted, Sept. 26, '64, for 1 yr.; pr. to corp. April 22, '65;
dis. at Raleigh, N. C, June 28, '65.
Corp. John M. Stevens, drafted, Sept. 28, '64, for 1 yr.; pr. to corp. April 22,
'65 ; dis. at Raleigh, K C, June 28, '65.
Corp. Henry A. Wittich, sub., Oct. 14, '64, for 1 yr.; pr. to Ist corp. April 22,
'65; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Corp. Burton G. Bovee, sub., March 2, '65, for 1 yr.; pr. to 2d corp. May 10,
'65 ; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Corp. Daniel Philips, sub., Oct. 19, '64, for 1 yr.; pr. to 3d corp. May 10, '65;
mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Corp. Lewis Marks, sub., Feb. 28, '65, for 1 yr.; pr. to 5th corp. July 19, '65;
mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Corp. Robert M. Glisan, sub., Oct. 18, '64, for 1 yr.; pr. to Tth corp. Aug. 18,
'65; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Corp. Henry P. Towns, sub., Feb. 24, '64, for 1 yr.; pr. to 8th corp. Aug. 18, '65;
mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Musician David Fordice, sub., Oct. IT, '64, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Musician Amos Melott, drafted, Feb. 21, '65, for 1 yr., deserted July 31, '65.
Priv. Anderson, William, rect; mus. Sept. 17, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. July 11, '65.
Priv. Anderson, James R., sub., Feb. 28, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Aubley, Frederic, drafted, Oct. 21, '64, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Baker, Julius, sub., Oct. 19, '63, for 3 yrs., deserted Nov. 19, '64.
Priv. Berchelt, August, sub., Sept. 24, '63, for 3 yrs.; died July 16, '65, at XJ. S.
Hosp., Smith ville, N. C, of inflamation of lungs.
Priv. Bokear, Thomas, drafted, June 4, '64, for 3 yrs.; deserted June 19, '65.
Priv. Bramhall, Charles A., drafted, Sept. 27, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. June 28, '65.
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ROSTER AND RECORD OP SERVICE; COMPANY A. 473
Priv. Brady, James, 27 yrs., rec't; mus. Feb. 13, '65, for 1 jr.; mus. out Aug.
28, '65.
Priv. Bumgardner, Daniel M., drafted, Sept. 20, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. June 29, '65.
Priv. Burton, John, Jan. 10, '65, for 1 yr.; dis. Aug. 22, '65. [Not on mus.-
out roll.j
Priv. Carpenter, James, Jan. 26, '65, for 1 yr. [Not on mus.-out roll.]
Priv. Callin, Julius C, drafted, March 6, '65, for 1 yr.; dis. May 23/ '65. [Not
on mus.-out roll.]
Priv. Chapman, Edmund, sub., Oct. 29, '64, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Christman, Uriah, drafted, Sept. 30, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. June 28, '65.
Priv. Clark, Thomas, sub., March 2, '65, for 1 yr.; deserted June 22, '65.
Priv. Clevinger, George W., drafted, Feb. 21, '65; deserted July 23, '65.
Priv. Cosier, Daniel B., drafted, Sept. 28, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. June 28, '65.
Priv. Cummings, Samuel, drafted, Sept. 30, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. June 28, '65.
Priv. Dailey, Jolin, sub., Oct. 27, '64, for 3 yrs.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Dalaba, Henry, drafted, Sept. 30, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. July 8, '65.
Priv. Donelson, Levi, drafted, June 4, '64, for 3 yrs.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Doty, James S., drafted, Sept. 28, '64, for 3 yrs.; dis. July 15, '65.
Priv. Ellis, Remor, drafted, Sept. 27, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. June 28, '65.
Priv. Emminhizer, William, drafted, Sept. 27, '64, for 3 yrs.; ab. sick, at mus. out.
Priv. Evans, James, rec't; mus. Nov. 10, '64, for 2 yrs.; ab. sick at mus. out.
Priv. Foust, James, drafted, Oct. 21, '64, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Freeman. John, sub., Oct. 21, '64, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Freeman, William, drafted, Sept. 30, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. June 28, '65.
Priv. Galloway, Fletcher, sub., Aug. 31, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. June 28, '65.
Priv. Graff, Lewis, sub., Sept. 24, '63, for 3 yrs.; pr. to corp.; reduced to ranks
April 7, '65; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Graham, James, sub., Sept. 16, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. June 28, '65.
Priv. Grier, Andrew J., sub., March 2, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Grier, James, sub., March 2, '65, for 1 yr.; died of typhoid fever at Raleigh,
N. C, May 16, '65.
Priv. Groveyear, Allien, drafted, Sept. 30, '64, for 1 yr.; ab. sick at mus. out.
Priv. Hanman, John A., drafted, Feb. 21, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Hasman, Jacob, sub., Sept. 25, '63, for 3 yrs ; dis. July 15, '65.
Priv. Hay, Jonathan, drafted, Sept. 29, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. June 28, '65.
Priv. Herrington, Reuben, drafted, Sept. 19, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. May 4, '65.
Priv. Heyl, Edmund, sub., Oct. 27, '64, for 1 yr.; deserted Aug. 1, '65.
Priv. Hiert, Charles, sub., Sept. 24, '63, for 3 yrs.; w'd in action at Green Plains,
Bermuda H'd, Va., May 20, '64; died of w'ds at Hampton Hosp., For-
tress Monroe, Va., May 28, '64.
Priv. Hinckel, Samuel, sub., Oct. 25, .'64, for I yr.; ab. sick at mus. out.
Priv. Hixen, James, sub., Oct. 18, '64, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug, 28, '65.
Priv. Hollingshead, William M., sub., March 3, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug.
28, '65.
Priv. Hoop, John W., drafted, Feb. 21, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Kief, Daniel M., rec't; mus. Sept. 20, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. July 11, '65.
Priv. Lane, Alfred ; no record except deserted,
Priv. Larrison, Lewis, drafted, Sept. 26, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. June 23, '65.
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474 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
Priv. Lines, Joseph B., drafted, Sept. 28, '65, for 1 yr.; dis. June 28, '65.
Priv. Low, John J., sub., Oct. 20, '64, for 1 yr.; ab. sick at mus. out.
Priv. Malone, Patrick, sub., March 2, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Marshall, William H., sub., Feb. 28, '65, for 1 yr. ab. sick at mus. out.
Priv. McDonald, Samuel, sub., March 3, '65, for 1 yr.*, mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. McCutcheon, Hiram, drafted, Sept. 30, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. Feb. 17, '65.
Priv. Mehaflfey, William H., sub., March 1, '65, for 1 yr.; died at Raleigh, N. C,
May 21, '65 ; bu. in Nat. Gem., sec. 20, grave 21.
Priv. Merrithew, H. H., drafted, Sept. 26, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. on surg. cert, at
U. 8. Hosp., Fort Schuyler, N. Y., June 27, '65.
Priv. Miller, Andrew, sub., Nov. 5, '63, for 3 yrs.; w'din action'at Foster's Place,
Bermuda H'd, Va., May 18, 64; tr. to 1st Regt. Infty. U. S. A., at Nor-
folk, Va.. July 12, '64,
Priv. Mootler, Charles, sub., Feb. 28, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Morrison, Isaiah, drafted, Sept. 30, '64, for I yr.; dis. June ^8, '65.
Priv. Osbern, Bradley, drafted, Sept. 30, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. Jane 10, '65.
Priv. Ott, William, drafted, Sept. 30, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. June 28, '65.
Priv. Perry, George B., drafted, Sept. 29, '64, for 1 yr.; ab. sick at mus, out
Priv. Peter, Nathan, sub., Oct. 22, '64, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Phelps, Elisha, drafted, Sept. 30, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. June 28, '65.
Priv. Price, George W., drafted, Feb. 22, '65, for 1 yr.; died at Raleigh, N. C,
July 5, '65.
Priv.' Prince, James L., drafted, Sept. 26, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. June 28, '65.
Priv. Reed, August, sub., Oct. 31, '64, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Roberts, Alfred D., drafted, Sept. 28, '64, for 3 yrs.; died, on XJ. S. hosp.
boat Champion, Jan. 18, '65.
Priv. Rorison, Robert, sub., Sept. 28, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. June 28, '65.
Priv. Sellen, Frederick, sub., Nov. 4, '63, for 3 yrs.; w'd at Green Plains, Ber-
muda H'd, Ya., May 20, '64; ab. sick at mus. out.
Priv. Seneff, John W., drafted. Sept 30, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. June 28, '65.
Priv. Sill, Charles M., drafted, Sept. 28, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. June 28, '65.
Priv. Sipes, Conrad J., drafted, Feb. 21, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Snell, Samuel, sub., March 2, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Snyder, Jacob, sub., Oct. 12, '64, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Snyder, John H., sub., Oct. 21, '64, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Snyder, Joseph R., sub., March 2, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Sovell, Nelson, sub., Oct 20, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. June 19, '65.
Priv. Stanton, Gerdon 0., drafted, Sept. 28, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. June 28, '65.
Priv. St Clair, Michael H., sub., Oct 20, '64, for 1 yr.; w'd in action at Port
Fisher, N. C, Jan. 15, '65; dis. by order of Sec. of War, May 3, '65.
Priv. Stolford, Edward, drafted. Sept 27, '64. for lyr.; dis. June 28, '65.
Priv. Strickler, Harrison, drafted. Sept 30, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. June 28, '65.
Priv. Trurap, George M., drafted, Feb. 21, '65, for 1 yr.; dis. May 28, '65.
Priv. Vansickle, Ephraim, sub., Aug. 28, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. June 28, '65.
Priv. Waltman, Sylvanus, drafted. Sept 28, '64, for 1 yr.; died at Portsmouth
Grove Hosp., R. I., March 29, '65.
Priv. Waltman, William, drafted. Sept 28, '64, for 1 yr.; died at Raleigh, N. C,
May 23, '65; bu. rea May 24, '65, Nat Cem., sec. 20, grave 18.
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ROSTER AND RECORD OF SERVICE; COMPANY B. 475
Priv. Walker, William H., drafted, Oct. 14, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. June 28, '65.
Priv. WarreD, Dand R., drafted, Sept. 29, '64, for 1 yr.; ab. sick at mus. out.
Priv. Weis, Philip, sub., March 2, '65, for 1 yr.; mos. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. White, Roswell, sub., March 2, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Whitehead, Henry, drafted, Sept. 28, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. June 28, '65.
Priv. Wright, John, drafted, Sept. 19, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. June 28, '65.
Priv. Youngkin, George A., drafted, Sept. 30, '64, for 1 yr.; die. June 28, '65.
Priv. Zimmerman, Samuel, drafted, Sept. 27, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. June 28, '65.
COMPANY B, OHSSTEB COUNTY GRAYS.
Capt. William B. McOoy, 42 yrs., marble mason, Parkesburg; mus. Aug. 30, '61,
for 3 yrs.; ap. post, inspecter at Hiiton Head, S. C, from Sept., '62
until April, '63; res. and hon. dis. for disability at Seabrook Island,
S. C, June 18, '63. [Died at home, Philadelphia, Sept. 24, '66, of con-
sumption.]
Capt. Jonas M. G. Savage, 28 yrs., cordwalner, Cochranville; mus. as 1st lieut.
Aug. 30, '61, for 3 yrs.; pr. to capt. June 23, '63; w'd in action at Green
Plains, Bermuda H'd, Va., May 20, '64 ; dis. on acct. of w'ds, by order of
War Dept., S. 0. 360, Oct. 22, '64.
Capt. Dallas Crow, 18 yrs., carpenter, Sadsburyville; mus. as priv. Aug. 30, '61,
for 3 yrs; pr. to corp. May 1, '62; pr. to 1st corp. May 1, '63; pr. to 5th
sergt. Dec. 10, '63; vet; re-mus. March 15, '64; pr. to 4th sergt. May 1,
'64; w'd in action at Petersburg Mine, July 80, '64; pr. to com. sergt.
Sept. 1, '64; pr. to 1st lieut. March 1, '65; pr. to capt. April 4, '65; mus.
out with CO. Aug. 28, '65.
Ist Lieut. James T. Skiles, 24 yrs., clerk, Cains, Lancaster Co.; mus. as priv.
Aug. 30, '61, for 3 yrs.; ap. 8th corp.; pr. to qr. mr. sergt. and tr. to
N. 0. staff Oct. 29, '61; pr. to 2d lieut. Dec. 16, '62; pr. to 1st lieut.
June 23, '63; mus. July 1, '63; w'd near Petersburg, Va., June 16, '64;
dis. at Chapin's Farm, Va., by order of War Dept, S. O. 384, dated War
Dept., Adjt. Gen.'s Office, Nov. 5, '64, to take effect from Aug. 30, '64,
date of ezp. of term.
let Lieut. David S. Harry, 18 yrs., blacksmith, Cochranville; mus. as priv. Aug.
30, '61, for 3 yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 15, '64; pr. to corp. May 1, '64;
pr. to 4th sergt. Sept. 1, '64; pr. to 1st sergt. Nov. 1, '64 ; w'd in action
at Fort Fisher, N. C, Jan. 15, '65; pr. to 1st lieut. Feb. 1, '65; mus.
April 5, '65; mus. out with co. Aug. 28, '65. [Re-entered service as
corp. Co. B, 3d Cav., XJ. S. A.; on duty at Fort Kearney, Neb.
2d Lieut. James Hughes, 29 yrs., farmer, Cochranville; mus. Aug. 30, '61, for 3
yrs.; res. on acct. of ill health and hon. dis. at Edisto, S. C, May 1, '62.
[Re-entered service for emergency, Sept. 12, '62, as capt. Co. B, 2d Regt.
Pa. Militia, and again June 20, '63, as capt. Co. H, 3d Pa. Infty.; mus.
out with CO. July 26, '63.]
2d Lieut. John Armstrong, 26 yrs., clerk, Sadsburyville ; mus. Aug. 30, '61, for
3 yrs.; ap. 1st sergt.; pr. to 2d lieut. May 1, '62; res. on acct. of ill health
and hon. dis., Nov. 18, '62, at Hilton Head, S. C. [Re-entered service in
Co. M, 2l8t Pa. Cav.; pr. to com. sergt.; died, July 11, '64, of w'ds rec'd
in action.]
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476 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
2d Lieut. Jacob G. Lowry, 24 yrs., painter, Gap, Lancaster Co.; mus. as priv.
Aug. 30, '61, for 3 yrs.; pr. to 8th corp. March 30, '61; pr. to sergt.
Dec. 1, '61; pr to 3d sergt. May 26, '62; pr. to 2d sergt. Jan. 1, '63; pr.
to 1st sergt. Dec. 9, '63; vet-, re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Jan. 1, '64;
pr. to 2d lieut. Feb. 16, '64; mus. May 26, '64, to date from promotion;
w'd in action at Petersburg Mine, Va., July 30, '64 ; court-martialed at
Bermuda H'd, Va., and sentenced by S. 0. 132, dated War Dept., A. G.
O., March 18, '65, to be dishon. dis. the service.
2d Lieut. John B. Griffith, 18 yrs., cordwainer, Coatesville; mus. as priv. Aug.
30, '61, for 3 yrs.; pr. to 8th corp. Jan. 1, '63; veL; re-mus. March 15,
'64; w'd in trenches near Petersburg, Va., Sept. 11, '64; pr. to sergt.
Oct. 10, '64; pr. to 1st sergt. April 22, '65; pr. to 2d lieut. May 1, '65;
mus. out with co. Aug. 28, '65.
1st. Sergt. Hugh M. Hutton, 22 yrs., cordwainer, Cochran ville ; mus. Aug. 30,
'61, for 3 yrs.; ap. 3d sergt; pr. to 2d sergt., Nov. 30, '61; pr. to Ist sergt
May 1, '62; dis. on surg. cert, at Hilton Head, S. C, Nov. 4, '62. [Re-
entered 3 yrs. service as corp. in Co. M, 20th Pa. Cav., Feb. 1, '64.
1st Sergt. Henry Kendig, Jr., 24 yrs., weaver, Sadsburyville ; mus. Aug. 30, '61,
for 3 yrs.; ap. 5th sergt.; pr. to 4th sergt. Nov. 30, '61 ; pr. to 3d sergt.
May 1, '62; pr. to 2d sergt. May 26, '62; pr. to 1st sergt. Jan. 1, '63; dis.
on surg. cert., at.Femandina, Fla., Dec. 9, '63.
1st Sergt. Webster A. Nichols, 25 yrs., farmer, Cochranville ; mus. Aug. 30, '61,
for 3 yrs.; ap. 6th corp.; pr. to 1st corp. June 1, '62; pr. to 3d sergt. Jan.
1, '63; pr. to 2d sergt. Nov. 1, '63; pr. to 1st sergt. May 1, '64; dis.
Aug. 30, '64, at exp. of term. • [Re-entered service, April t, '65, in Co. I,
98th P. v.; dis. with co. June 29, '65.]
1st Sergt. Andrew M. Strickland, 18 yrs., coachmaker, Parkesburg; mus. as
priv., Aug. 30, '61, for 3 yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Jan. 1,
'64; pr. to corp. Nov. 2, '64; pr. to sergt. Feb. 1, 65; pr. to 1st sergt.
Aug. 1, '65; mus. out with co. Aug. 28, '65.
Sergt. David H. Bimey, 25 yrs., farmer, CochranviJle ; mus. Aug. 30, '61, for 3
yrs.; ap. 2d sergt.; reduced to ranks Nov. 30, '61; pr. to corp. June 1, '62;
w'd in action, at Grimball's Plantation, James Island, S. C, June 10, '62;
pr. to 4th sergt, Jan. 1, '63; died at Hilton Head, S. C, of ehron. diar.,
Oct. 30, '63.
Sergt. Nelson P. Boyef, 26 yrs., farmer, Cochranville; mus. Aug. 30, '61, for 3
yrs.; ap. 4th sergt.; pr. to 3d sergt. Nov. 30, '61 ; pr. to 2d sergt. May 1,
'62 ; dis. on surg. cert., at North Edisto, S. C, May 26, '62.
Sergt. Elisha Middleton, 29 yrs., stone mason, Sadsburyville ; mus. Aug. 30, '61,
for 3 yrs.; ap. 1st corp.; pr. to 5th sergt. Nov. 30, '61; pr. to 4th sergt.
June 1, '62; dis. on surg. cert. Nov. 4, '62, and died same day of remit-
tent fever, at Hilton Head, S. C; bu. rec. Nov. 4, '62.
Sergt. Samuel M'Cluskey, 24 yrs., farmer, Cochranville; mps. Aug. 30, 61, for
3 yrs.; ap. 2d corp.; pr. to Ist corp. May 1, '62; pr. to 5th sergt. June 1,
'62; reduced to ranks Jan. 1, '63; vet., re-mus. March 15, '64; to date
Jan. 1, '64; w'd in action, at Darby Town Road, Va., Oct. 27, '64; pr.
to corp. Feb. 1, '65 ; pr. to sergt. date unknown ; mus. out with co.
Aug. 28, '65.
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ROSTER AND RECORD OF SERVICE; COMPANY B. 477
Sergt. Malchi Happersett, 25 yrs., carpenter, Waynesburg; mus. as priv. Sept.
11, '61, for 3 yrs.; pr. to corp. Dee. 5, '61; pr. to 5th sergt. Jan. 1, '63 ;
dis. Sept. 1 1, '64, at exp. of term.
Sergt. Joseph Haines, 25 yrs., farmer, Penningtonville ; mus. Aug. 30, '61, 'for
3 yrs.; ap. 7th Corp.; pr. to 1st corp. Jan. 1, '63 ; pr. to 4th sergt. Dec.
10, '63; vet.; re-mus. March 15, '64; pr. to 3d sergt. May 1, '64; mus.
out with CO. Aug. 28, '65.
Sergt. William A. Deisem, 31 yrs., painter, Waynesburg; mus. as priv. Sept. 16;
'61, for 3 yrs.; pr. to corp. April 1, '62; w'd in action, at John's Island,
S. C, June 7, '62; pr. to 2d corp. Jan. 1, '63; pr. to sergt. May 1, '64;
dis. Sept. 16, '64, at exp. of term.
Sergt. James M. Jackson (alias Cowan), 19 yrs., farmer, Oxford; mus. as priv,
Aug. 30, '61, for 3 yrs.: pr. to corp. June 1, '62; pr. to 5th corp. Jan. 1.
'63; vet.; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Jan. 1, '64; w'd in skirmish at
Woodstock Mills, Ga., Feb. 22, '64; w'd in action at Cold Harbor, Va.,
June 6, '64; pr. to sergt. Nov. 25, '64; dis., on surg. cert., for w'ds at
U. S. Hosp., Newbem, N. C, July 10, '65.
Sergt. Harvey Highet, 30 yrs., carpenter. Pulton House, Pa.; mus. as priv. Aug.
30, '61, for 3 yrs.; pr. to corp. Dec, 10, '63; vet.; re-mus. March 15, '64,
to date Jan. 1, '64; w'd in action, at Petersburg Mine, July 30, '64;
capt'd in action at Strawberry Plains, Va., Aug. 16, '64; ex. Dec. 24,
'64; rejoined co. April 6, '65; pr, to sergt. April 22, '65; mus. out with
CO. Aug. 28, '65.
Sergt Gerhard Reeder, 82 yrs., painter, Waynesburg; mus. as priv. Aug. 30,
'61, for 3 yrs.; pr. to corp. May 1, '62; pr. to 4th corp. Jan. 1, '63; vet.;
re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Jan. 1, '64; w'd in action and capt'd at
Strawberry Plains, Va., Aug. 16, '64; par. March 1, '65; ex. April 10,
'65; rejoined regt. June 20, '65; pr. to sergt. July 19, '65; mus. out
with CO., Aug. 28, '65.
Sergt. Taylor Archer, 21 yrs., carpenter, Parkesburg; mus. as priv. Aug; 30,
• '61, for 3 yrs.; vet.; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Jan. 1, '64; pr. to
corp. Dec. 1, '64; pr. to sergt. Aug. 1, '65; mus. out with co. Aug. 28, '65.
Corp. Andrew J. Graham, 80 yrs., ambrotypist, Sadsburyville; mus. Sept. 9, '61,
for 3 yrs.; ap. 3d corp.; w'd accidentally, in right hand, Feb. 4, '62; dis. on
surg. cert., loss of index finger, at Hilton Head, S. C, April 19, '62.
Corp. John De Laugh, 33 yrs., soldier, Lancaster; mus. Aug. 30, '61 ; for 3 yrs.;
ap. 4th Corp.; dishon. dis. and drummed out of camp at Edisto, S. C,
May 26, '62, in accordance with sentence of general coun^martial.
Corp. Robert Ferguson, 26 yrs., farmer, Parkesburg; mus. Aug. 30, '61, for 3
yrs.; ap. 5th corp.; died of typhus fever at U. S. Gen. Hosp., Hilton Head,
S, C, May 18, '62.
Corp. John T. Boofter, 26 yrs., wagoner, Steeleville; mus. as priv. Aug. 30, '61,
for 3 yrs.; pr. to 6th corp. Jan. 1, '63; w'd in action, at Petersburg
Mine, July 30, '64; dis. Aug. 30, '64, at exp. of term.
Corp. Joseph Stott, 30 yrs., farmer, Penningtonville; mus. as priv. Aug. 30, '61,
for 3 yrs.; pr. to 7th corp. Jan. 1, '63; vet.; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date
Jan. 1, '64; died at Hampton Hosp., Fortress Monroe, Va., Aug. 11, '64,
of chron. diar.
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478 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
Corp. Miles Stewart Strickland, 20 yrs., coach maker, Parkesbarg, mus. as.priv.
Aug. 30, '61, for 3 yrs.; pr. to corp. Dec. 10, '63; vet; re-mus. March 15,
'64, to date Jan. 1, '64; killed, while on picket, in front of Petersburg,
• Va., July 4, '64.
Corp. John P. Rock, 18 yrs., saddler, Lancaster; mus. as priy. Aug. 30, '61, for
3 yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Jan. 1, '64; pr. to corp. July
6, '64; killed or taken prisoner in action at Fort Gilmer, Va., Sept 29,
'64; never heard from.
Corp. Joseph W. Lilley, 19 yrs., farmer, Cochran ville ; mus. as priv. Aug. 30,
'61, for 3 yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Jan. 1, '64; pr. to
corp. Oct. 10, '64; mus. out with co. Aug. 28, '65.
Corp. George McNelly, 18 yrs., farmer, Pequea, Lancaster Co.; mus. as priv.
Aug. 30, '61, for 3 yrs.; w'd in action at James Island, S. C, June 10,
'62; date of pr. unknown; vet; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Jan. 1,
'64; mus. out. with co. Aug. 28, '65.
Corp. William T. Cooling, 34 yrs., sailor, Charlestown, Md.; mus. as priv., Aug.
30, '61, for 3 yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Jan. I, '64; pr. to
Corp., April 1, '65; mus. out. with co. Aug. 28, '65.
Corp. Robert Bruce Wallace, 18 yrs., farmer, Parkesburg; mus. as priv. Aug.
30, '61, for 3 yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Jan. 1, '64 ; w'd in
action at Petersburg Mine, Va., July 30, '64; capt'd in action at Straw-
berry Plains, Va., Aug. 16, '64; ex. Oct. t, '64; rejoined regt. April 6,
'65 ; pr. to corp. April 22, '65; mus. out with co., Aug. 28, '65.
Corp. John C. Taggart, 22 yrs., blacksmith, Sadsbury ville; mus. as priv. Aug.
30, '61, for 3 yrs.; tet; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Jan. 1, '64; pr. to
corp. April 23, '65; mus. out with co. Aug. 28, '65.
Musician Benjamin E. Hutton, 19 yrs., farmer, Cochranville ; mus. Aug. 30, '61,
for 3 yrs.; dis. on surg. cert, at North Edisto, S. C, May 26, '62. [Re-
entered the service for 3 yrs., Feb. 18, '64, as priv. in Co. M, 20th
Pa. Cav.]
Musician William J. Irwin, 21 yrs., farmer, Georgetown, Lancaster Co.; jpas.
Aug. 30, '61, for 3 yrs.; dis. Aug. 30, '64, at exp. of term. [Re-entered
XT. S. service as priv. and died at Richmond, Va.]
Teamster James McNulty, 42 yrs., stage driver. West Chester; mus. Aug. 30,
'61, for 3 yrs.; died of yellow fever at Hilton Head, S. C, Oct 31, '62.
Priv. Ammon, William, 29 yrs., carpenter, Parkesburg ; mus. Aug. 30, '61, for 8
yrs.; dis. on surg. cert.. May 27, '63, and died in hosp. At Hilton Head,
S. C, June 26, '63.
Priv. Bentley, Joshua, 21 yrs., farmer, Sadsbury ville ; mus. Aug. 30, '61, for 3
yrs.; dis. on surg. cert, at Hilton Head, S. C, Jan. 10, '62.
Priv. Best, William M., 20 yrs., dentist, Cochranville; mus. Aug. 30, '61, for 3
yrs.; died of diptheria at Hilton Head, S. C, Nov. 19, '62.
Priv. Chalfant, Amor N., 20 yrs.; coachmaker, Parkesburg; mus. Aug. 30, '61,
for 3 yrs.; dis. on surg. cert, at Fernandina, Fla.> April 10, '64.
Priv. Clark, John, 18 yrs., farmer, Cochranville; mus. Aug. 30, '61, for 3 yrs.;
vet; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Jan. 1, '64; w'd in action at Green
Plains, Bermuda H'd, Va., May 20, '64; mus. out with co. Aug.
28, '65.
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ROSTER AND RECORD OF SERVICE; COMPANY B. 479
Priv. Coates, Charles S., 18 yrs., farmer, Gum Tree; mus. Aug. 30, '61, for 3
yra.; capt'd in action Strawberry Plains, Va., Aug. 16, '64; pris'r until
ex. Sept. 20, 64; dis. Nov. 20, '64, to date Aug. 30, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Cosgrove, Bernard, 32 yrs., bricklayer, Lancaster; mus. Aug. 30, '61, for
3 yrs.; vet.; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Jan. 1, '64 ; mus. out with co.
Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Day, Samuel J., 21 yrs., miller, Cains, Lancaster Co.; mus. Aug. 30, '61,
for 3 yrs.; w'd in action (forehead and wrist) at James Island, S. C, June
10, '62; again w'd in trenches near Petersburg, Va., June 29, '64; dis.
from XJ. S. Hosp., Philadelphia, Sept. 2, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Detterline, Hiram, 20 yrs., farmer, Cains. Lancaster Co.; mus. Aug. 30,
'61, for 3 yrs.; vet.; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Jan. 1, '64; absent
sick at De-Camp Hosp. at mus. out.; dis. by G. 0. from hosp., July
19, '65.
Priv. Dorland, Robert W., 18 yrs., clerk, Sadsburyville; mus. Aug. 30, '61, for 3
yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; died of malarial
fever, at Fortress Monroe, Va., Nov. 2, '64.
Priv. Doubts, George, 23 yrs., farmer, Christiana, Lancaster Co.; mus. Aug. 30,
'61, for 3 yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Jan. 1, 64; w'd in
action, at Petersburg Mine, Va., July 30, '64; mus. out with co., Aug.
28, '65.
Priv. Drummonds, Kersey H., 25 yrs., farmer. Pleasant Grove; mus. Aug. 30, '61,
vet; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Jan. 1, '64; w'd in action, at Darby
Town Road, Va., Oct. 27, '64; ab. sick in tT. S. Hosp., on acct. of w'ds,
dis. from Sickles Hosp. Alexandria, Va., Aug. 23, '65.
Pri7. Dunn, Henry, 26 yrs., carpenter, Lyles, Lancaster Co.; mus. Sept. 24, '61,
for 3 yrs.; killed in action, at James Island, S. C, June 10, '62.
Priv. Edwards, Jesse, 25 yrs., farmer. Intercourse, Lancaster Co.; mus. Aug.
30, '61, for 3 yrs., dis. Aug. 30, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Emerson, Joseph H., 23 yrs., painter, Parkesburg; mus. Aug. 30, '61, for
3 yrs.; dis. Aug. 30, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. English, Benjamin, 19 yrs., farmer, Parkesburg; mus. Aug. 30, '61, for 3
yrs.; w'd in action at James Island, S. C, June 10, '62; vet; re-mus.
March 15, '64, to date Jan. 1, '64; again w'd at Fort Fisher, N. C, Jan.
15, '65; dis. at McDougal Hosp., N. Y., on acct. of w'ds, May 31, '65;
died of w'ds at home Sept. 25, '65.
Priv. English, James, 20 yrs., farmer, Parkesburg; mus. Aug. 30, '61, for 3 yrs.;
vet; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; w'd in action at Peters-
burg Mine, Va., July 30, '64; ab. sick at mus. out in post hosp. at
Raleigh, N. C, since May 20, '65.
Priv. Esrey, Edmund, 19 yrs., paper maker. West Philadelphia; mus. Aug. 30,
'61, for 3 yrs.; accidentally w'd in foot Jan. 15, '62; vet; re-mus. March
15, '64, to date Jan. 1, '64; w'd with loss of left arm in action at Green
Plains, Bermuda H'd, Va., May 20, '64; dis. on acct. of w'ds from XJ. S.
Hosp. April 1, '65.
Priv. Ferris, William, 32 yrs., cordwainer, Christiana, Lancaster Co.; mus. Nov.
13, '61, for 3 yrs.; dis. on surg. cert, at Hilton Head, S. C, May 10, '63
[Re-entered the service for 3 yrs. in cav. and was killed.]
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480 HISTORY OF THE NINETY- SEVENTH REGIMENT.
Priv. Galloway, Samuel P., 18 yrs., farmer, Lewisville; mus. Aug. 30, '61, for 3
jTs.; dis. on Burg. cert, at Hilton Head, S. C, Dec. 26, '62. [Re-enlisted
in 186th P. V., in Jan., '64; ap. chief clerk in provost marshal's office,
Philadelphia; mus. out with regt. Aug. 15, '65.]
Priv. Garress, Samuel J., 22 yrs*., farmer, Sadsburyville; mus. Aug. 30, '61, for
3 yrs.; vet.; re.mus. March 15, '64, to date Jan. 1, '64; killed while on
picket near Petersburg, Va, June 29, '64; bu. in Nat. Cem., Poplar Grove,
Ya., div. D, sec. B, grave 8.
Priv. Gracey, Daniel, 19 yrs., farmer, Cochran ville ; mus. Aug. 30, '61, for 3 yrs.;
vet.; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Jan. 1, '64; capt'd in action at Straw-
berry Plains, Va., Aug. 16, '64; died of starvation while a prisoner at
Salisbury, N. C, Dec. 15, '64; bu. rec. Dec. 31, '64.
Priv. Hapton, William H., 31 yrs., wheelwright, Londonderry; mus. Aug. 30,
'61, for 3 yrs.; mus. out Aug. 30, '64, at exp. of term. [Re-enlisted for 3
yrs., in U. S. Infty.]
Priv. Hardy, George G., 19 yrs., farmer, Cochranville; mus. Aug. 30, '61, for 3
yrs.; died of chronic diarrhoea, at Fernandina, Fla., Oct. 13, 63.
Priv. Harkins, Albert, 19 yrs., paper maker. Doe Run; mus. Aug. 30, '61, for 3
yrs.; dis. on surg. cert., at Hilton Head, S. C, Feb. 2, '63.
Priv. Howe, Nathan, 19 yrs., farmer, Cains, Lancaster Co.; mus. Aug. 30, '61,
for 3 yrs.; dis. on surg. cert., at Hilton Head, S. C, Jan. 10, '62.
Priv. Humphrey, Robert W., 20 yrs., stone cutter, Oakland Mills; mus. Aug. 30,
'61, for 3 yrs.; w'd in action at Green Plains, Bermuda H'd, Va., May 20,
'64; mus. out Aug. 30, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Johnston, Joseph, 20 yrs., farmer, Parkesburg,; mus. Aug. 30, '61, for 3
yrs.; mus. out Aug. 30, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Kenan, James, 24 yrs., farmer, Cochranville; mus. Aug. 30, '61, for 3 yrs.;
died of typhus fever, at Hilton Head, S. C, Oct. 8, '63.
Priv. Kendig, Abraham, 28 yrs., cordwainer, Sadsbury ville; mus. Aug. 30, '61,
for 3 yrs.; vet,; re-mus., March 15, '64, to date Jan. 1, '64; w'd in action at
Foster's Place, Bermuda H'd, Va., May 18, '64; died of w'ds, at Hamp-
ton Hosp., Fortress Monroe, Va., June 4, '64.
Priv. Kerr, Henry, 19 yrs., cordwainer, Rockville; mus. Sept. 11, '61, for 3 yrs.;
w'd in action at Green Plains, Va., May 20, '64; mus. out Sept. 11, '64, at
exp. of term.
Priv. Lamping, Frederick D, 26 yrs., blacksmith, Cains, Lanoester Co.; mus.
Aug. 30, '61, for 3 yrs.; vet.; re-mus. Mar. 15, '64, to date Jan. 1. '64;
mus. out with co. Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Lamping, Henry A., 23 yrs., weaver, Gains, Lancaster Co.; mus. Aug. 30,
'61, for 3 yrs.; vet.; re-mus. Mar. 15, '64, to date Jan. 1, '64; w'd in skir-
mish at Woodstock Mills, Ga., Feb. 22, '64; mus. out with co. Aug.
28, '65.
Priv. Large, William, 21 yrs., machinist, Penningtonville ; mus. Aug. 30, '61, for
,3 yrs.; dis. on sarg. cert., at Hilton Head, S. C, July 29, '62.
Priv. Leaman, Alfred N., 19 yrs., coachsmith, Cains, Lancaster Co.; mus. Aug.
30, '61, for 3 yrs.; vet; re-mus. Mar. 16, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; w'd by
shell in trenches near Petersburg, V a., July 16, '64; ab. at mus. out
on account of w'ds in XT. S. Hosp. at Hampton, Va.
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ROSTER AND RECORD OP SERVICE; COMPANY B. 481
Priv. Lemley, Jacob D., 21 yrs., coachmaker, PeoniDgtonville; mus. Aug. 30,
'61, for 3 yrs.; supposed to have been discharged in accordance with
circular 36, War Dept, dated May 2, '64, being ab. sick in hosp. at exp.
of term.
Priv. Linton, Benjamin, 20 yrs., school teacher, Cochranville; mus. Aug. 30, '61,
for 3 yrs.; vet; re-mus. Mar. 15,' '64, to date Jan. 1, '64; wd. in action at
Petersburg Mine, July 30, '64; ab. at mus. out on account of wds. in U.
S. Hosp. at Hampton, Ya.; dis. at hosp. to date Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Martin, Henry W., 21 yrs, farmer, Parkesburg; mus. Aug. 30, '61, for 3
yrs.; wd. in action at James Island, S. C, June 10, '62; vet; re-mus,
March 15, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64 ; mus. out with co. Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. McCIure, David, 32 yrs., farmer, Mortonville, Chester Co.; mus. Sept 9,
'61, for 3 yrs.; mus. out Sept. 9, '64. at exp. of term.
Priv. McFarian, George, 25 yrs., plasterer, Sadsbury ville ; mus. Sept. 9, '61, for
3 3rrs.; supposed to be dis. Sept. 11, '64, per cbcular 36, War Dept., dated
May 2, '64. being ab. in hosp. at exp. of term.
Priv. McGinness, Joseph D., 18 yrs., farmer, Sadsbury ville ; mus. Aug. 30, '61,
for 3 yrs.; dis. on surg. cert, at Fortress Monroe, Va., Dec. 8, '61. [Re-
enlisted in 17th Pa. Cav.; capt'd and ex.]
Priv. McGraw, John, 26 yrs., farmer, Cochranville; mus. Aug. 30, '61, for 3 yrs.;
deserted at Baltimore, Md., Nov. 21, '61.
Priv. Melius, Henry, 24 yrs., occupation unknown, Lancaster Co.; mus. Aug. 30,
'61, for 3 yrs.; deserted from Camp Wayne, Aug. 30, '61.
Priv. Mendenhall, Jonathan, 21 yrs., blacksmith, Waynesburg; mus. Aug, 30,
'61, for 3 yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Jan. 1, '64; wd. in
action at Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Ya., May 20, '64; died of wds. at
U. S. Hosp., Philadelphia, July 29, '64; bu. rec. July 29, '64,
Priv. Mews, Hugh D., 32 yrs., farmer, Cochranville; mus. Aug. 30, '61, for 3
yrs.; died of typhoid pneumonia at Morris Island, S. C, Sept. 11, '63.
Priv. Miles, Samuel, 25 yrs., farmer, Cochranville; mus. Aug. 30, '61, for 3 yrs.;
vet; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Jan. 1, '64; mus. out with co. Aug.
28, '65.
Priv. Moore, Henry W., 22 yrs., farmer, SteeleVille ; mus. Sept. 9, '61, for 3 yrs.;
mus. out Sept. 9, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Moore, Joseph H., 22 yrs., farmer, Cochranville; mus. Aug. 30, '61, for 3
yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Jan. 1, '64; mus. out with co.
Aug. 28, '65.
Priv, Musgrove, Charles B., 19 yrs., calico printer, Gloucester, N. J.; mus. Aug.
30, '61, for 3 yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Jan. 1, '64; wd. in
action at Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Ya., May 20, '64; ab. at mus. out
on acct. of wds.; at De-Camp Hosp., N. Y., since May 20, '64; dis. by
Q. 0. June 19, '65.
Priv. Pindell. Robert R., 18 yrs., coach maker, Philadelphia; mus. Aug.
30, '61, for 3 yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Jan. 1, '64; wd.
while on picket near Petersburg, Ya., July 20, '64; mus. out with co.
Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Rees, Albert J., 22 yrs., farmer, Parkesburg; mus. Aug. 30, '61, for 3 yrs.;
mus. out Aug. 30, '64, at exp. of term.
31
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482 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
Priv. Renshaw, William S., 30 yrs., cordwainer, Waynesburg; mus. Sept. II,
'61, for 3 yrs.; dis. oo surg. cert, at Morris Island, S. C Aug. 27, '63.
[Reported died at Beaufort, S. C, Sept. 7, '63.]
Priv. Richardson, Samuel, 39 yrs., blacksmith, Bart, Lancaster Co.; mus. Aag.
30, '61, for 3 yrs:; dis. on surg. cert, at Hilton Head, S. C, Nor. 11, '62.
Priv. Riley, John C, 18 yrs., cordwainer, Philadelphia; mus. Aug. 30, '61, for 3
yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Jan. 1, '64; ab. sick at mus.
out; since May 16, '64.
Priv. Russell, Benjamin F., 22 yrs., farmer, Sadsbury ville ; mus. Aug. 30, '61,
for 3 yrs.; vet.; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Jan. 1, '64; wd. by shell
in trenches near Petersburg, Ya., July 17, '64; mus. out with co. Aug.
• 28, '65.
Priv. Sloyer, Thomas, 23 yrs., farmer, Cochranville ; mus. Aug. 30, '61, for 3
yrs.; dis. on surg. cert, at Fernandina, Fla., Dec. 9, '63.
Priv. Sullivan, David, 25 yrs., farmer, Parkesburg; mus. Aug. 30, '61, for 8 yrs.;
tr. to Vet. Res. Corps, June 1, '63, by G. 0. 235, dated War Dept.,
A. G. 0., June 1, '63.
Priv. Supplee, George G., 21 yrs., farmer, Waynesburg; mus. Sept. 11, '61, for
3 yrs.; mus. out Sept. 11, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Sweeney, Joseph, 27 yrs., butcher. West Chester; mus. Aug. 30, '61, for
3 yrs.; dis. on surg. cert, at Hilton Head, S. C; May 10, '63.
Priv. Vance, Wesley, 18 yrs., miller. Doe Run; mus. Sept. 21, '61, for 3 yrs.;
dis. on surg. cert, at Hilton Head, S. C, March 16, '63. [Reenlisted for
emergency June 16, '63, in Co. A, Independent Pa. Cav.; dis. with co.
July 31, '63; again re-entered the service in XJ. S. Navy in '64 and served
until May, '67, when dis.]
Priv. Wilson, William H., 20 3rrs., millwright, Ercildoun; mus. Sept. 9, '61, for
3 yrs.; died of remittent fever at Hilton Head, S. C, Nov. 26, '62.
Priv. Wonderly, George W., 31 yrs., blacksmith, Ercildoun; mus. Sept. 11, '61,
for 3 yrs.; wd. with loss of arm in action at James Island, S. C, June
10, '62; dis. at Hilton Head, S. C, July 28, '62, on acct. of wds.
Priv. Worrall, Theodore A., 18 yrs., soldier, Russellville; mus. Aug. 30, '61, for
3 yrs.; mue. out Aug. 30, '64, at exp. of term.
Since joined — Drafted and Substitutes.
Corp. John G. Sanders, drafted, Sept. 23, '63, for 3 yrs.; capt'd in action at
Drury's Bluff, Va., May 16, '64; ex. Nov. 20, '64; rejoined co. April 6,
'65; pr. to corp. Aug. 1, '65; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Corp. Edward F. Johnson, sub., Feb. 23, '65, for 1 yr.; pr. to corp. July 19, '65;
mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Musician William Asay; rec't; mus. Feb. 2, '63, for 3 yrs.; mus. out Aag. 28,
'65. [Re-enlisted in U. S. Army for 5 yrs.]
Musician Azahel R. Vanleer, sub., March 2, '65, for 1 yr.; ap. musician April
22, '65; ab. sick at mus. out.
Priv. Adams, William, drafted, Oct. 23, '63, for 3 yrs.; tr. to 1st Regt. U. S.
Army July 30, '64. [Was a deserter from rebel army.]
Priv. Artley, Joseph, sub., March 2, '65, for 1 yr.; dis. June 10, '65.
Priv. Ashley, Menzo L., sub., March 2, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Barrett, George W., sub., Feb. 27, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
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BOSTEB AND BECX)RD OP SERVICE; COMPANY B. 483
Priv. Balderson, Jonathan, drafted, July 22, '63, for 3 yrs.; wd. in action at
Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64; marked on roll ab. with-
out leave; $30 stopped for apprehension and $10 per mo. for 6 moa, G.
0. 138, Mil. Gov., Alexandria, Va., Dec. 3, '64; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Bartlemy, Joseph, drafted, Oct. 15, '64, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Baylor, Jonathan, sub., March 1, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Brown, James, drafted, July 23, '63, for 3 yrs.; deserted Aug. 28, '64.
Priv. Brown, Richard, drafted, Sept. 24, '63, for 3 yrs.; deserted July 25, '65.
Priv. Bruce, Franklin, sub., March 1, '65, for 1 yr,; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Byrne, William, drafted, Oct. 20, '64, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv Cashner, Michael, sub., March 1, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Crawford, Charles, sub., Feb. 27, '65, for 1 yr.; dis. 'June 8, '65.
Priv.^ Crosby, Edward, drafted, Oct. 26, '63, for 3 yrs.; dis. May 28, '65.
Priv. Cummins, Peter, drafted, Sept. 24, '63, for 3 yrs.; deserted March 6, '65.
Priv. Dalys, George, drafted, Oct. 24, '64, for 1 yr.; mus out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Demoney, David H., drafted, Feb. 4, '65, for 1 yr.; died, of typhoid fever,
at Raleigh, N. C, May 15, '65.
Priv. Doyle, Jacob W., sub., March 2, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Dukes, George, drafted, July 25, '63, for 3 yrs.; wd. in action at Peters-
burg Mine, July 30, '64 ; dis. for wds. from Philadelphia Jan. 20, '65.
Priv. Favre, Charles, sub., March 2, '65, for 3 yrs.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Fehrer, Andrew, sub., Sept. 1, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. June 29, '65.
Priv. Fisher, (Jeorge, sub., Aug. 31, '64, for 1 yr.; died, at De-Camp Hosp., New
York, June 5, '65; bu. in Cypress Hill Cem., L. I.
Priv. Fitzpatrick, Joseph, sub., Feb. 24, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Forbes, Alexander, drafted, Sept. 23, '63, for 3 yrs.; capt'd in action at
Strawberry Plains, Va., Aug. 16, '64; ex. Nov. 20, '64; rejoined co. Jan.
3, '65 ; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Foster, Charles T., drafted, Sept. 24, '63, for 3 yrs.; wd. in trenches near
Petersburg, Va., June 25, '64; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Fry, William F., sub., Feb. 23, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Fuhs, John, sub., Oct 18, '64, for 1 yr.; tr. to 2d Regt. U. S. A. March
12, '65, S. 0., 398, Dept. Va. and N. C,
Priv. Furgeson, Patrick, drafted, Sept. 23, '63, for 3 yrs.; deserted June 2, '64.
Priv. Garrett, William J., drafted, Sept. 23, '63, for 3 yrs.; deserted Aug. 28, '64.
Priv. Giffin, Charles H., sub., Feb. 28, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Graves, Josiah. sub., Feb. 25, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Gross, John, drafted, Aug. 11, '64, for 3 yrs.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Gundrum, Wilson, sub., March 1, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Harris, Halstead, drafted, Sept. 23, '64, for 1 yr.; died, at Wilmington,
N. C, April 6, '65; bu. in Nat. Cem., grave 999.
Priv. Hawkins, Addison, drafted, Sept. 28, '64, for 1 yr.; died, of typhoid fever,
at Raleigh, N. C, May 28, '65.
Priv. Hawkins, John, drafted, Sept. 25, '63, for 3 yrs.; dis. June 3, '65.
Priv. Himent, Jacob, sub., Feb. 27, '65 for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Holland, John, drafted, Oct. 20, '64, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Jackson, George T., sub., Feb. 28, '65, for 1 yr.; ab. sick at mus. out.
Priv. Jones, Stewart B., sub., Feb. 4, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
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484 HISTORY OP THB NINETT-SBVBNTH REGIMENT.
Priv. EaylemaD, Gasper, sub., Sept 23, '64, for 1 jr.; dis. June 29, '65.
Priv. Keeney, Frederick M., sub., Feb. 24, '65, for 1 yr.; mua out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Keefer, Joseph, drafted, Nov. 24, '64, for 3 yrs.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Kelly, Daniel, drafted, Oct. 19, '63, for 3 yrs.; deserted Juoe 3, '64.
Priv. Kelly, Joho, sub., Sept. 23, '63, for 3 yrs.; wd. on picket at Foster's Place,
Bermuda Hd., Ya., May 19, '64; ab. on acct of wds. since May 19, '64;
no dis. furnished.
Priv. Kester, John, sub., Feb. 24, '66, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '66.
Priv. Killday, Frank, drafted, Oct. 21, '64, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. King, Thomas, drafted, Sept. 24, '63, for 3 yrs.; tr. to Dept Southwest,
June 13, '64, S. 0. 162, Dept. Ya. and N. C; dis. at exp. of term. [Was
a captain in the rebel army; deserted and came north.]
Priv. Lamphar, William, sub., March 1, '65, for 1 yr.; dis. June 10, '65.
Priv. Lynch, John, sub., March 1, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Madder, Oeorge, drafted, Oct. 26, '63, for 3 yrs.; killed in action at Straw-
berry Plains, Ya., Aug. 16, '64.
Priv. McOaffery, John, sub., March 3, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. McCarter, Cyrus, drafted. Sept 23, '63, for 3 yrs.; capt'd in action at
Strawberry Plains, Ya., Aug. 16, '64; died a pris'r at Salisbury, N. C,
Dec. 5, '64.
Priv. McOill, Lemuel, drafted, Oct. 20, '63, for 3 yrs.; wd. with loss of leg at
Strawberry Plains, Ya., Aug. 16, '64; ab. since at Balfour Hosp., Ya.; no
dis. furnished.
Priv. McLaughlin, Archibald, sub., Feb. 27, '65, for 3 yrs.; mus. out Aug.
28, '65.
Priv. Merton, Robert, drafted, Sept. 23, '63, for 3 yrs.; mis. in action at Foster's
Place, Bermuda Hd., Ya., May 18, '64; par. and ex. July 16, '65; dis.
Nov. 18, '65.
Priv. Minnier, John H., sub., March 1, '65, for 1 yr.; died at Raleigh, N. C,
June 5, 65.
Priv. Missuer, John B., drafted. Sept 23, '68, for 3 yrs.; deserted Jan. 4, '64.
Priv. Mo wry, John, drafted, Sept. 19, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. June 29, '65.
Priv. O'Neil, James, drafted, Sept. 8, '63, for 3 yrs.; dis. May 26, '65.
Priv. Pepper, Isaac N., sub , March 2, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out. Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Peterson, Henry C, drafted, Sept. 23, '63, for 3 yrs.; capt'd in action at
Drury's Bluff, Ya., May 16, '64 ; ex. Nov. 20, '64; ab. sick at mus. out ; at
Annapolis, Md., since April 5, '65.
Priv. Ray, James; rec't; mus. April 15, '64; joined co.. May 2, '64; wd. in ac-
tion at Foster's Place, Bermuda Hd., Ya., May 18, '64; died of wds.
Aug. 27, '64.
Priv. Reeder, William W., sub., Feb. 22, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Reedy, Jacob, sub., March 1, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Reedy, Simon, sub., March 1, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out. Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Rest, Christian, sub., March 1, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out. Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Roberts, Francis M., drafted, July 30, '63, for 3 yrs.; dis. July 8, '65.
Priv. Roof, William, sub., Feb. 25, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Rouscher, Jacob, sub., March 2, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Scott, Richard, drafted, Oct. 26, '63, for 3 yrs.; ab. sick at mus. out
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ROSTER AND RECORD OP SERVICE; COMPANY B. 485
Priv. Schwabenthal, Joseph, drafted, Sept. 23, '63, for 3 yrs.; wd. io skirmish at
Woodstock Mills, Ga., Feb. 22, '64; again wd. in action at Petersburg
Mine, Va., July 30, '64; dis. at David's Island Hosp., N. Y. Harbor, July
3, '65, by order of War Dept.
Priv. Seitzor, James D., sub., Feb. 23, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Soward, Francis M., drafted, Sept. 23, '63, for 3 yrs.; wd. in trenches near
Petersburg, Va., July 6, '64; ab. at mus. out; at De-Camp Hosp., N. Y.,
since July 6, '64.
Priv. Sheen, Michael, drafted, Sept. 23, '63, for 3 yrs.; mus. out Aug. 28, '66.
Priv. Shiley, John, sub., Sept. 6, '64, for 1 yr.; wd. in action at Fort Fisher,
N. C, Jan. 15, '65; dis. June 29, '65.
Priv. Shultz, Joadicus, drafted, Aug. II, '64, for 3 yrs.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Smith, James, drafted, Sept. 23, '63, for 3 yrs.; deserted Sept. 4, '64.
Priv. Smith, Peter, sub., Aug. 29, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. July 3, '65.
Priv. Squires, Seymour J., sub., Feb. 25, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Sussner, Charles, drafted, Oct. 20, '64, for 1 yr.; dis June 24, '65.
Priv. Trainer, James, drafted, Oct. 19, '64, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Vincenus, Frederick, drafted, Sept. 23, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. June 29, '65.
Priv. Walker, George, sub., March 2, '65, for 1 yr.; mus out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Waygood, Thomas, sub., March 1, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Westman, George W., sub., Oct. 20, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. June 8, '65.
Priv. Williams, George W., drafted, Nov. 5, '63, for 3 yrs.; wd. in trenches near
Petersburg, Va., June 25, '64; deserted Sept. 4, '64.
Priv. Williams, Henry, sub., March 1, '66, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Williams, John W., sub., Feb. 23, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Wilson, James, drafted, Sept. 23, '63, for 3 yrs.; executed^ for desertion^ at
Fernandina, Fla., Feb. 7, '64, in conformity with sentence of gen. Cvurt-
martial, approved by Maj. Gen. Q. A. Gillmore, com'g Dept. South.
Priv. Wood, Preceptor, sub., Feb. 25, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
COBfPANY 0, PAOLI GUARDS.
Capt. Isaiah Price, 39 yrs., dentist, West Chester ; mus. Sept. 18, '61, for 3 yrs.;
com. maj. April 8, '64; wd. in action at Foster's Place, Bermuda Hd.,
Va., May 20, '64; mus. out Sept. 17, '64, at exp. of tercfl; pr. to brev.
lieut. col. and to brev. col. March 6, '61, to rank from Sept. 19, '64.
Ospt. Henry W. Carruthers, 25 yrs., lawyer. West Chester; first entered ser-
vice as priv. in Co. A, 9th P. V., April 22, '61 ; dis. July 29, '61; mus.
as 1st lieut. Co. C, Sept. 11, '61, for 3 yrs.; ap. adjt. and mus. Oct. 31,
'61; pr. to capt. April 8, '64; mortally wd. in action at Strawberry Plains,
Va., Aug. 16, '64; died of wds. at Chesapeake Hosp. Fortress Monroe,
Va., Aug. 22, '64.
Capt. Leonard R. Thomas, 20 yrs., teacher, Mortonville, Chester Co.; mus. as*
priv. Sept. 16, '61, for 3 yrs.; vet; re-mus. March* 15, '64; pr. to corp.
June 1, '64; tr. to non-com. staff, as qr.-mr. sergt. Sept. 1, '64; pr. to 2d
lieut. Sept. 23, '64; pr. to 1st lieut. Dec. 1, '(^4; wd. in action at Fort
Fisher, N. C, Jan. 15, '65; pr. to brev. capt. March 13, '65, by order of
War Dept., for gallantry at Fort Fisher; com. capt. March 15, '65; pr. maj.
to June 1, 65; not mus.; mus. out with co. at Weldon, N. C, Aug. 28, '65.
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486 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
Capt. (Jeorge W. Abel, 19 yrs., farmer, East Goshen; mus. as priv. Sept II, 61,
for 3 yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 16, '64; pr. to eorp. May 28, '64; pr. to
^ sergt., date unknown; pr. to Ist sergt., date unknown; pr. to Ist lieut.
Feb. 1, '65; com. capt. June 1, '65; not mus.; mus. out with co. as Ist
lieut. at Weldon, N. C, Aug. 28, '65.
1st Lieut. Emmor G. Griffith, 27 yrs., farmer, WilHstown; mus. as 2d lieut. Sept.
18, '61, for 3 yrs.; pr. to 1st lieut. Nov. 5, '61; res. on acct. of ill health
and hoD. dis. at Edisto, N. C, April 30, '62.
1st Lieut. Francis J. Eachus, 26 yr»., sailor. West Chester; first entered service
as corp. Co. G, 2d P. V., April 20, '61, for 3 mos.; mus. Sept. 11, '61, for 3
yrs.; ap. 2d sergt.; pr. to 1st lieut. April 30, '62; mus. out Nov. 3, '64, at
exp. of term.
1st Lieut. Charles Warren, 23 yrs., laborer, England; mus. Sept. 11, '61, for 3
yrs.,and ap. teamster; vet; re-mus. March 15, '64; pr. to corp. and to
sergt., dates unknown ; wd. in action at Fort Fisher, N. C, Jan. 15, '65;
pr. to 2d lieut. May 1, '65; mus. May 26, '65; com. 1st lieut. June 1, '65;
not mus.; mus. out with co. as 2d lieut. at Weldon, N. C. Aug. 28, '65.
2d Lieut. William Gardner, 23 yrs., painter. West Chester; first entered service
as priv. in Co. A, 9th P. V., April 22, '61 ; dis. July 29, '61; mus. Sept.
II, '61, for 3 yrs., ap. 5th sergt. Sept. 18, '61; pr. to 2d lieut. Nov. 4, '61;
died of malignant fever on hoard transport Boston, in Warsaw Sound, Oa.,
Feb. 19, '62.
2d Lieut. Isaac Smedley, 23 yrs., farmer, WilHstown: first entered service in Co.
E, 9th P. v., April 22, '61; dis. July 29, '61 ; mus. Sept. II, '61, for 3
yrs.; ap. 1st sergt. Sept. 18, '61; pr. to 2d Heat. Feb. 19, '62; hon. dis.
on surg. cert, at Seabrook Island, S. C, May 1, '63, to date March 9, '63.
[Died of consumption at home, Feb. 12, '6T.]
2d Lieut. Henry Eauffman, Jr., 23 yrs. farmer, Easttown; mas. Sept. 11, '61;
ap. 4th corp. Sept. 18, '61; pr. to 3d corp. Nov. 5, '61; pr. to 2d corp.
Feb. 1, '62; pr. to 1st corp. March 20, '62; pr. to 1st sergt. June 6, '62, to
rank from Feb. 19, '62; pr. to 2d lieut. July 1, '63; mus. out Sept. 25, '64,
at exp. of term.
2d Lieut. Cyrus B. Showalter, 20 yrs., farmer, Berks Co.; mus. as priv. Sept. 11,
'61, for 3 yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 16, '64; pr. to corp. and to sergt. in
'64 ; wd. in action at Fort Fisher, N. C, Jan. 15, '65 ; pr.- to 1st sergt.
July 1, '65; com. 2d Heut. June 1, '65; not mus.; mus. out. with co. as
1st sergt. at Weldon, N. C, Aug. 28, '65. [Since died.]
1st Sergt. John D. Beaver, 28 yrs., carpenter, Charlestown Twp.; mus. Sept
11, '61, for 3 yrs.; ap. 3d sergt. Sept. 18, '61; pr. to 2d sergt. April 30, '62;
was color sergt. until July 1, '63, when pr. to Ist sergt., to date March 9,
'63; mus. out Sept. 17, '64, at exp. of term.
Sergt. Joseph R. Acker, 26 yrs., farmer, Tredyffrin Twp.; mus. Sept. 11, '61, for
8 yrs.; ap. 4th 'sergt. Sept. 18, '61; pr. to 3d sergt. April 30, '61; pr. to
2d sergt. July 1, '63; killed while advancing with skirmish line at Foster's
Place, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 18, '64.
Sergt. Gerritt S. Hambleton, 22 yrs., farmer, Upper Oxford; Sept. 11, '61, for 3
yrs.; ap. 1st corp. Sept. 18, '61; pr. to 6th sergt. Nov. 5, '61; died of
malarial fever at Hilton Head, S. C, Jan. 31, '62i
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BOSTEB AND RECORD OP SERVICE; COMPANY C. 487
Sergt Stephen H. Eachus, 20 yrs., farmer, East Whitelandj mas. Sept. 11, '61,
for 3 yrs.; ap. 2d corp. Sept. 18, '61 ; pr. to Ist corp. Nov. 6, '61 ; pr. to 5th
sergt. Feb. 1, '62; pr. to 4th sergt. April 30, '62; pr. to 3d sergt. July 1,
'63; pr. to 2d sergt. May 28, '64; mus. out Sept. It, '64, at exp. of term.
Sergt. Richard B. Moore, 22 yrs., farmer, Avoodale; mus. Sept. 11, '61, for 3
yrs.; ap. 6th corp. Sept. 18, '61; pr. to 4th corp. Nov. 5, '61; pr. to 3d
Corp. Feb. 1, '62; pr. to 2d corp. Mlirch 20, '62; pr. to 6th sergt. April
30, '62; pr. to 4th sergt. July 10, '63; wd. iu action at Oreen Plains,
Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, 64; pr. to 3d sergt. May 28, '64; dis. at
U. S. Hosp., Sept. 17, '64, at exp. of term.
Sergt. Isaac A. Cleaver, 19 yrs., farmer, Radnor, Delaware Co.; mus. Sept. 11,
'61, for 3 yrs.; ap. 8th corp. Sept. 18, '61; pr. to 1th corp. Nov. 6, '61; pr.
to 6th corp. Feb. 1, '62 ; pr. to 5th corp. March 20, '62 ; pr. to 1st corp.
July 26, '62; pr. 6th sergt. July 1, '63; wd. in action at Green Plains,
Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64; pr. to 4th sergt. May 29, '64; dis. at
XJ. S. Hosp., Point Lookout, Md.; raus. out at Philadelphia, Sept. 2, '64,
at exp. of term.
Sergt. B. Lundy Kent, 21 yrs., farmer, Penn Twp.; mus. aspriv. Sept. 11, '61, for
3 yrs.; ap. 7th corp. March 20, '62; pr. to 3d corp. July 26. '62; pr. to 2d
corp. April 1, '63; pr. to 1st corp. July 1, '63; vet; re-mus. March .15,
'64; pr. to 6th sergt. May 28, '64; wd. in action at Petersburg Mine, July
30, '64 ; dis. for pr. being com. capt. in U. S. Col. Troops about Aug. 30,
'64, and mus. as capt. Co. E, 13th Heavy Arty., U. S. C. T., April 17, '65,
S. 0. 258, A. G. 0., Washington, D. C.
^rgt. Cyrus M. Davis, 26 yrs, farmer, Cains, Lancaster Co.; mus. as priv. Sept.
17, '61, for 3 yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 15, '64 ; wd. in action at Petersburg
Mine, Ya., July 30, '64; pr. to sergt. July 26, '65; mus. out with co.
Aug. 28, '65.
Corp. Joseph M. Lewis, 22 yrs., miller, East Wbiteland; mus. Sept 16, '61, for
3 yrs.; ap. 3d corp. Sept. 18, '61 ; pr. to 2d corp. Nov. 5, '61 ; pr. to 1st
corp. Feb. 1, '62; died of malarial fever, on transport Marion, March 1,
'62 ; ba. at sea off the coast of Georgia.
Corp. Hibberd Aitkin, 25 yrs., farmer. East Goshen; mas. Sept. 11, '61, for 3
yrs.; ap. 6th corp. Sept. 18, '61 ; pr. to 5th corp. Nov. 5, '61 ; pr. to 4th
corp. Feb. 1, '62; pr. to 3d corp. March 20, '62; pr. to 2d corp. April 30,
'62; died at home July 16, '62, of hemorrhage of lungs, contracted by
exposure at Camp Wayne and prevented from marching with regt.
Corp. Samuel W. Hawley, 21 yrs., clerk, Willistown; mus. Sept. 18, '61, for 3
yrs.; ap. 7th corp.; pr. to 6th corp. Nov. 6, '61 ; pr. to 5th corp. Feb. 1,
'62 ; pr. to 4th corp. March 20, '62; pr. to sergt. maj. June 26, '62.
Corp. John Y. McCarter, 30 yrs., paper manufacturer. Upper Oxford ; mus. as
priv. Sept. 17, '61, for 3 yrs.; ap. 8th corp. Nov. 5, '61 ; pr. to 7th corp. Feb..
1, '62 ; pr. to 6th corp. March 20, '62; pr. to 2d corp. April 30, '62; pr.
to hosp. steward April 1, '63.
Corp. John R. Miller, 31 yrs., painter. West Chester; mus. as priv. Sept. 11, '61,
for 3 yrs.; ap. 8th corp. March 20, '62 ; pr. to 4th corp. April 30, '62 ; pr.
to 3d corp. April 1, '63 ; pr. to 2d corp. July 1, '63 ; pr. to 1st corp. May
28, '64 ; mus. out Sept. 17, '64, a exp. of term.
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488 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
Corp. Davis 0. Taylor, 19 yrs., machinist, East Bradford ; mus. as priv. Sept.
11, '61, for 3 yrs.; ap. 5th corp. April 30, '62; dis. at Hilton Head,
S. C, Jan. 18, '64, for re^nlistment in Co. E, 3d XT. S. Arty., G. 0. 154,
War Dept.
Corp. Robert Holmes, 21 yrs., farmer. Upper Oxford ; mus. as priv. Sept 23, '61,
for 3 yrs.; ap. 6th corp. July 18, '62; dis. on surg. cert at Hilton Head,
S. C, Jan. 28, '63. [Died at home March 24, '63, of climatic disease,
contracted in service.]
Corp. Levis T. Beidler, 23 yrs., farmer, Lionville; mus. as priv. Sept 21, '61,
for 3 yrs.; ap. 7th corp. July 18, '62; pr. to 4th corp. April 1, '63; pr. to
3d corp. July 1, '63; wd. in action at Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va.,
May 20, '64 ; pr. to 2d corp. May 28, '64 ; dis. at U. S. Hosp. Sept 17, '64i
at exp. of term.
Corp. Robert B. Wilson, 18 yrs., farmer, Lewisville, Chester Co.; mus. as priv.
Sept 11, '61, for 3 yrs, ap. 8th corp. Aug. 1, '62; pr. to 5th corp. April I,
'63; pr. to 4th corp. July 1, '63 ; mortally wd. in action at Foster's Place,
Bermuda Hd., Ya., May 18, '64 ; died of wds. at Hampton Hosp., Fortress
Monroe, Va., May 26, '64.
Corp C. Burleigh Hambleton, 19 yrs., farmer. Upper Oxford; mus. as priv. Sept
11, '61, for 3 yrs.; ap. 6th corp. Jan. 22, '63; pr. to 5th corp. July 1, '63;
wd. in action at Oreen Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64 ; pr. to 3d
corp. May 28, '64; dis. from XT. S. Hosp., Point Lookout, Md., and mus.
out at Philadelphia Sept. 2, '64, at exp. of term. [Was elected Eecorder
of Deeds for Chester County, Pa., Oct 8, '72, for 3 yrs. from Jan. 1. '73.]
Corp. Maris Pierce, 22 yrs., farmer, Lancaster Co.; mus. as priv. Sept 21, '61,
for 3 yrs.; ap. 7th corp. Feb. 8, '63 ; pr. to 6th corp. July 1, '63 ; pr. to
4th Corp. May 28, '64 ; mus. out Sept 20, '64, at exp. of term.
Corp. M. Davis Thomas, 22 yrs., farmer, Paoli; mus. as priv. Sept 22, '61, for
3 yrs.; was musician until Aug., '62 ; ap. 8th corp. April 1, '63; pr. to 7th
corp. July 1, '63 ; mortally wd. in action at Foster's Place, Bermuda Hd.,
Va., May 18, '64 ; died of wds. at Hampton Hosp., Fortress Monroe,
Va., May 27, '64.
Corp. Jesse D. Farra, 36 yrs., carpenter, West Chester ; mus. as priv. Sept. 16,
'61, for 3 yrs.; ap. 8th corp. July 1, '63; pr. to 5th corp May 28, '64;
mus. out Sept 17, '64, at exp. of term.
Corp. James J. Dewees, 21 yrs., farmer, Tredyffrin Twp.; mus. as priv. Sept. 11,
'61, for 3 yrs.; ap. 7th corp. April, '64; pr. to 6th corp. May 29, '64; wd.
in action at Cold Harbor, Va., June 6, '64; again wd. in action at Straw*
berry Plains, Va., Aug. 16, '65; mus. out Sept 17, '64, at eip. of term.
Corp. John Latch, 30 yrs., laborer, Willistown; mus. as priv. Sept 11, '61, for 3
yrs.; vet,; re-mus. March 15, '64; pr. to corp. July 1, '65; mus. out with
CO. Aug. 28, '65.
Corp. Henry H. Stiteler, 22 yrs., painter, Tredyflfrin Twp.; mus. as priv. Sept.
16, '61, for 3 yrs.; vet; re.mus. March 15, '64; wd. by shell in trenches
near Petersburg, Va., Aug. 29, '64; pr. to corp. July 1, '65; mus. out with
CO. Aug. 28, '65.
Musician Taylor W. Harper, 22 yrs , painter. West Chester; mus. Sept 11, '61,
for 3 yrs.; dis. on surg. cert, at Fortress Monroe, Va., Dec. 8, '61.
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ROSTER AND RECORD OP SERVICE; COMPANY C. 489
Masicisn William Poand, 18 yrs , farmer, Wayne Co., N. Y.; mus. as priv.
Sept. 23, '61, for 3 jrs.; ap. masician Jan. 1, '62; slightly wd. in action
at Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64; mus. out Sept. 22, '64,
at exp. of term. [Remained with regt. as clerk to sutler until regt. was
mus. ont in '65.]
Musician James J. Wilson, 19 yrs., machinist, England; mus. as priv. Sept. 11,
'61, for 3 yrs.; ap. musician, vice Thomas, tr. to ranks, Aug., '62; ap.
principal musician ; tr. to non.-com. staff, June 20, '64.
Teamster Charles Warren. [Promoted ; see 2d lieut]
Priv. Abel, Joseph, 19 yrs., blacksmith. West Chester; mus. Sept. 16, '61, for 3
yrs.; mus. out Sept. 17, '64, at exp. of term.
Pri?. Agg, William, 18 yrs., farmer, Philadelphia; mus. Sept. 16, '61, for 3 yrs.;
wd. in action at Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Ya., May 20, '64; again
severely in arm by shell in trenches, near Cemetery Hill, Ya., Aug. 29,
'64 ; dis. fW>m XT. S. Hosp., March 20, '65, to date from Sept. 17, '64, at
exp. of term.
Priv. Beck, Alexander, 19 yrs. painter, Doun, Ireland; mus. Sept. 11, '61, for
3 yrs.; tr. to XT. S. Signal Corps, Jan. 30, '64. [Had been on detached
service in that dept. since Feb. 6, '62.]
Priv. Bence, Joseph, 18 yrs., farmer, Philadelphia; mus. Sept. 11, '61, for 3 yrs.;
tr. to Bat. E„ 3d U. S. Arty., Jan. 18, '63.
Priv. Catren, David B., 27 yrs., farmer, Willistown; mus. Sept. 11, '61, for 3
yrs.; dis^ on surg. cert, at Hilton Head, S. C, Jan. 1, '63.
Priv. Channel, Oliver, 20 yrs., blacksmith, Easttown; mus. Sept. 11, '61, for 3
yrs.; mus. out Sept. 17, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Clark, William (1st), 22 yrs., stone mason, Ireland; mus. Sept. 21, '61,
for 3 yrs.; tr. to Bat E,3d TJ. S. Arty., Jan. 18, '63.
Priv. Clark, William (2d), 37 yrs., laborer, Ireland; rec't; mus. Aug. 9, '62, for
3 yrs.; joined co. Sept. 26, '62; dis, by G. 0. 73, Dept. N. C, at Raleigh,
N. C, June 29, '65, at exp. of term.
Priv. Cobourn, Abraham, 20 yrs.. farmer, Willistown; mus. Sept. 21, '61, for 3
yrs.; mus. out Sept. 20, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Cresswell, William J., 26 yrs.; farmer. Upper Oxford; mus. Sept. 23, '61,
for 3 yrs.; dis. on surg. cert, at Hilton Head, S. C, Oct. 22, '62.
Priv. Dean, John, 26 yrs., lime burner. East Whiteland; mus. Sept. 11, '61, for
3 yrs.; dis. on surg. cert., at Hilton Head, S. C, Jan. 1, '63. [Killed,
July 24, '68, by cars running over his leg while driving mule team, on
Market St. R. R., Philadelphia.]
Priv. Durnin, Nicholas, 18 yrs., farmer, Ireland; mus. Sept. 11, '61, for 3 yrs.;
mortally wd. on picket line, near Cemetery Hill, Ya., June 27, '64; died
within a few hours, at field hosp. 18th corps; bu. in Nat. Cem., City Point,
Ya., sec. D, div. 4, grave 88.
Priv. Eppright, Franklin T., 19 yrs., miller. East Whiteland; mus. Sept. 11, '61,
for 3 yrs.; wd. in action at Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Ya., May 20, '64;
mus. out Sept. 17, '64, at exp of term.
Priv. Griffith, Elias 0., 20 yrs., cordwainer, Lionville; mus. Nov. 13, '61, for 3
yrs.; wd. in action at Strawberry Plains, Ya., Aug. 16, '64; dis. at U. S.
Hosp., Jan. 11, '65, at exp. of term.
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490 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
Priv. Griffith, Elwood, 22 yrs , farmer, Willistown; mus. Sept. 16, '61, for 3 yrs.;
mus. out Sept. 17, '64, at exp. of term.
~ nes, Anthony, 20 yrs., laborer, Ireland; mus. Sept. 21, '61, for 3 yrs.;
IS. out Sept. 20, '64, at exp. of term.
ikle, David H., 21 yrs., farmer. East Wbiteland; mus. Sept. 11, '61, for
rra; mortally wd. by shell while on duty, at Port Wagner, S. C, Sept.
, '63 ; died same night at brig. hosp.
kman, Emmor B., 20 yrs., farmer. East Goshen; mus. Sept. 18, '61, for
rrs.; mus. out Sept. 17, '64, at exp. of term.
fman, Prancis, 18 yrs., farmer. Marsh, Chester Co.; mus., Sept 16, '61,
3 yrs.; wd. in trenches on Morris Island, S. C, Aug. 23, '63 ; vet.; re-
18. March 16, '64 ; tr. to Bat. B, 3d U. S. Arty., June 24, '65. [Dis.
)v. 22, '66, to date Aug. 28, '65.]
)kins, Elliott, 23 yrs., lime burner, Derry, Ireland ; mus. Sept. 11, '61, for
yrs.; tr. to Bat. E, 3d TJ. S. Arty., Jan. 18, '63. [Re-enlisted in bat.
vet. vol., and pr. to sergt.; served until end of term.]
ries, Thomas, 27 yrs., farmer, Willistown; mus. Sept. 16, '61, for 3 yrs;
I. in action at Poster's Place, Bermuda Hd., Va.; May 18, '64 ; dis. at
S. Hosp., Sept. 17, '64, at exp. of term.
3ley, Levi, 20 yrs., miller. East Wbiteland; mus. Sept 11, '61, for 3
3.; dis. on surg. cert, at Seabrook Island, S. C, May 9, '63.
mard, Asber M., 20 yrs., machinist. East Bradford; mus. Sept 11,
I, for 3 yrs.; mus. out Sept 17, '64, at exp. of term.
sey, Charles J., 23 yrs., wheelwright. Upper Oxford ; mus. Sept 18,
[, for 3 yrs.; died of chron. diarr., at Pernandina, Pla., Oct 28, '63.
kpatrick, William, 20 yrs., mason, Phoenixville ; mus. Sept 11, '61;
' 3 yrs.; dis. on surg. cert, at Hilton Head, S. C, Sept. 6, '62.
selman, N. Davis, 30 yrs., farmer, Willistown; mus. Sept 11, '61, for 3
3.; mus. out Sept. 17, '64, at exp. of term.
ts, John L., 20 yrs., farmer, Chadsford ; mus. Sept 11, '61, for 3 yrs.;
IS. out Sept. 17, '64, at exp. of term.
?ler, Joseph, 18 yrs., farmer, Tredyffrin; mus. Sept 21, '61, for 3 yrs.;
). on surg. cert at Hilton Head, S. C, Jan. 1, '63.
pch, Samuel A., 19 yrs., painter. East Wbiteland ; mus. Sept 11, '61,
' 3 yrs.; wd. in action at Poster's Place, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 18,
r ; dis. at U. S. Hosp., Philadelphia, Sept. 2, '64, at exp. of term.
D Intosh, Jacob, 19 yrs., farmer, Charlestown; mus. Sept 11, '61, for 3
s.; died of chron. diarr. at Beaufort, S. C, Oct 28, '68.
GUnley, Hugh, 31 yrs., farmer, Donegal, Ireland; mus. Sept 11, '61, for
)rrs ; mus. out Sept 17, '64, at exp. of term.
Kinley, Joseph R., 19 yrs., clerk, West Chester; mus. Sept 21, '61, for
yrs.; died of malarial fever on board transport Boston, in Warsaw Sound,
I., Peb. 1, '62.
Lane, Wesley, 18 yrs., blacksmith, Octorara, Lancaster Co.; mus. Sept
, '61, for 3 yrs.; dis. on surg. cert, at Hilton Head, S. C, Oct 20, '62.
lince died.]
Lane, William G., 25 yrs., miller, Octorara, Lancaster Co.; mus. Sept
, '61, for 3 yrs.; died of chron. diarr. at Beaufort, S. C, Nov. 8, '63.
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ROSTER AND RECORD OF SERVICE; COMPANY C. ^491
Priv. Mendenhall, Edward, 21 yrs., farmer, Parkerville ; mu8. Sept. 21, '61, for
3 yrs.; severely wd. (reported killed) in action at Green Plains, Bermuda
Hd.. Va., May 20, '64; recovered and dis. from U. S. Hosp. Philadelphia,
Sept 27, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Montgomery, Michael W., 19 yrs.; farmer, New London; mos. Sepf. 11,
'61, for 3 yrs.; wd. in action at Petersburg Mine, Ya., July 80, '64; mus.
out Sept. 17, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv Morgan, William, 28 yrs., miller, Willistown; mus. Sept. 11, '61, for 3 yrs.;
wd. in action at Petersburg Mine, Va., July 30. '64; mus. out Sept. 17,
'64, at exp. of term.
Priv Morris, Mordecai E., 21 yrs., farmer, Loag's Comer; mus. Sept. 17, '61,
for 3 yrs.; dis. on surg. cert, at Edisto, S. C, May 11, '62. [Re-entered
service in Co. A, 128th P. V., July, '62, for 9 mos.; again re-enlisted for
emergency July 1, '63, and served as 2d lieut., Co. F, 42d Pa. Militia;
dis. with CO. Aug. 11, '63; again entered the service Oct. 29, '64, as 2d
lieut., Co. M, 198th P. V.; pr. to Ist lieut; mus. out with co. June 4, '65.]
Pri?. Myers, Norris P., 22 yrs., farmer, XJnionville; mus. Sept. 21, '61, for 3 yrs.;
wd. in the advance upon Petersburg Heights, Ya., June 15, '64; mus. out
Sept. 20, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Pascball, Isaac, 24 yrs., farmer, Tredyflfrin Twp.; mus. Sept. 21, '61, for 3
yrs.; dis. on surg. cert, at Morris Island, S. C, July 26, '63.
Priv. Pierce, Lewis C, 20 yrs., miller, Willistown ; mus. Sept. 18, '61, for 3 yrs.;
died of heart disease at James Island, S. C, July 2, '62; body removed
to Hilton Head, S. C, and bu. in cem. outside intrenchments.
Pri?. Press, James, 21 yrs., blacksmith, Stanton, Del.; mus. Sept. 11, '61, for 3
yrs.; died of dysentery at Morris Island, S. C, Aug. 6, '63.
Priv. Quay, Ambrose, 19 yrs., saddler, Eimberton; mus. Sept 16, '61, for 3 yrs.;
wd. in action at Oreen Plains, Bermuda Hd., Ya., May 20, '64; again in
trenches near Petersburg, Ya., Sept 5, '64 ; dis. from TJ. S. Hosp. at
Fortress Monroe, Ya., Sept. 17, *64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Ruth, David N., 18 yrs., carpenter, Willistown; mus. Sept. 11, '61, for 3
yrs.; died of yellow fever at Hilton Head, S. C, Nov. 22, '62.
Priv. Shaw, Joseph A., 19 yrs., farmer, London Grov«; mus. Sept 21, '61, for
3 jTs.; killed in action at Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Ya., May 20, '64;
bu. in Nat Cem., City Point, Ya., sec. A, div. 4, grave 140.
Priv. Shingle, William, 18 yrs., farmer, Loag's Corner; mus. Sept 17, '61, for 3
yrs.; dis. at West Chester Nov. 5, '61, on writ of hab. corp. issued by
Judge William Wollerton, on the ground of minority.
Priv. Showalter, Edward R., 18 yrs., railroader, Willistown; mus. Sept. 17, '61,
for 3 yrs.; dis. on surg. cert, at Morris Island, S. C, Aug. 27, '63. [Re-
ported to have died at Beaufort, S. C, Sept 9, '&3.]
Priv. Speakman, William H., 19 yrs., carpenter, Westtown; mus. Sept 21, '61,
for 3 yrs.; wd. in action at Petersburg Mine, Ya., July 30, '64; mus. out
Sept 20, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Still, John J., 19 yrs., wheelwright, Kimberton; mus. Sept 11, '61, for 3
yrs.; wd. in trenches neat Petersburg, Ya., June 18, '64; again wd. in
trenches near same place July 2, '64; dis. from U. S. Hosp. Sept 17, '64,
at exp. of term.
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492 . HISTORY OP THE NINETT-SBVENTH REGIMENT.
Priv. Thomas, William D., 22 jrre., plasterer, East Whiteland ; moa Sept 11,
'61, for 3 yrs.; wd. in action at Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20,
'64; mus. out Sept 17, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Thornbury, Lewis, 17 yrs., farmer, Marsbalton; mus. Sept 21, '61; wd.
in trenches, with loss of right leg, near Petersburg, Va., July 25, '64;
suffered amputation three times in consequence of gangrene ; died of wds.
at Hampton Hosp., Portress Monroe, Va., Sept 14, '64. [Slight in form
but capable of great endurance, both on duty and in bravely suffering.]
Priv. Thornbury, Taylor, 19 yrs., farmer, Marsbalton; mus. Sept 16, '61, for 3
yrs.; died of chron. diarr. at Convalescent Camp, St Helena, S. C,
Aug. 8, '63.
Priv. Van Meter, Joel, W., 31 yrs., paper hanger. West Chester; mus. Sept 11,
'61, for 3 yrs.; dis. on surg. cert at U. S. Hosp., Philadelphia, Dec.
16, '63.
Priv. Vjckers, Eugene, 20 yrs; machinist, East Bradford; mus. Sept 11, '61, for
3 yrs.; dis. on surg. cert at McClellan Hosp., Philadelphia, Sept 29, '64,
at exp. of term.
Priv. Wagner, Charles, 28 yrs., farmer, Bavaria, Germany; mus. Sept 11, '61,
for 3 yrs.; wd. in trenches, near Petersburg, Va., July 27, '64; mus. oat
Sept 17, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Walker, Ezekiel, 21 yrs., farmer. Upper Oxford; mus. Sept 17, '61, for 3
yrs.; died of typhoid fever at Hilton Head, S. C. Aug. 21, '62.
Priv. Walton, George W., 18 yrs., farmer. Upper Oxford; mus. Sept 21, '61, for
3 yrs.; mus. out Sept 20, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Weidner, Henry B., 21 yrs., farmer, Charlestown; mus. Sept 11, '61, for 3
yrs.; mus. out Sept. 17, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Welman, Henry, 18 yrs., farmer. Upper Oxford; mus. Sept 16, '61, fori
yrs.; mus. out Sept 19, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Wentz, Charles K., 19 yrs., paper maker, Upper Oxford; mus. Sept 17,
'61, for 8 yrs.; died of chron. diarr. at Morris Island, Sept 18, '63.
Priv. Wetherill, Joseph, 26 yrs., coachmaker, Chester, Delaware Co.; rec't; mus.
March 10, '62; joined co. June 5, '62; killed in action at Green Plains,
Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64; bu. in Nat Cem., City Point, Va., sec.
F, div. 1, grave 152.
Priv. Whistler, William, 31 yrs., farmer. West Chester; mus. Sept 11, '61, for 3
yrs.; mus. out Sept. 17, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Williams, Josiah G., 18 yrs., farmer, Willistown; mus. Sept 18, '61, for 3
yrs.; mus. out Sept 17, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Wilson, Robert A., 19 yrs., shoemaker, Lewisville; mus. Sept 11, '61, for
3 yrs.; mus. out Sept 17, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Wood, Mahlon, 26 yrs., potter, Kennett Square; mus. Sept 11, '61, for 3
yrs.; wd. in action at Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64; die.
at U. S. Hosp., Sept 11, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Woodward, Samuel, 35 yrs., shoemaker, West Chester; mus. Sept 21, 61,
for 3 yrs.; mus. out Sept 20, '64, at exp. of term.
Since joined — Drafted and Sitbstitutee,
Sergt. Albert Lesczzynski, sub., Oct 20, '64, for 1 yr.; pr. from priv. to sergt ;
no date gi^en; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
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ROSTER AND RECORD OP SERVICE; COMPANY C. 493
Sergt. Casper Slabowski, sab., Oct. 20, '64, for 1 yr.; pr. from priv. to sergt; no
date giVeo ; mns out Aug. 28. '65. [Said to be a m^jor in Italian Armj
on fnrlougb for 1 yr. to enter Union Army.]
Sergt. William Hammill, drafted, July 24, '64, for 3 yrs ; pr. from priv. to corp.;
no date given ; pr. to sergt. July 1, '65 ; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Corp. Daniel W. Clemmer, drafted, Sept. 24, '63, for 3 yrs.; pr. from priv. to
Corp.; no date given; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Corp. Joseph Brown ; drafted, Oct. 27, '63, for 3 yrs.; pr. from priv. to Corp.; no
date given ; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Corp. Thomas H. Bastian, sub., Oct. 20, '64, for 1 yr.; pr. from priv. to corp.
ApriJ 1, '65 ; dis. June 23, '65.
Corp. Cornelius Hulsapple, sub., Oct. 27, '64, for 2 yrs.; pr. from priv. to corp.
April 1, '65; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Corp. George J. Switzer, drafted, Oct. 26, '63, for 3 yrs.; pr. from priv. to corp.
June 26, '65 ; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Corp. James H. Quimby, drafted, Sept. 30, '64, for 1 yr.; pr. from priv. to corp.
April 1, '65; dis. June 5, '65.
Corp. Israel Rodgers, drafted, Sept. 28, '64, for 1 yr.; pr. from priv. to corp.,
date not given ; dis. Juue 28, '65.
Corp. Thomas Clark, drafted, July 23, '63, for 3 yrs.; pr. from priv. to corp.,
date not given; killed in action at Fort Fisher, N. C, Jan. 15, '65.
Musician John Smearman, sub., Oct. 4, '64, for 1 yr.; pr. from priv. to musician
June 1, '65; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Ayers, William B., drafted, Sept. 80, '64, for 1 yr.; died at post hosp.,
Raleigh, N. C, June 16, '65.
Priv. Back, Jacob, drafted, March 4, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Barman, George, sub., March 2, '65, for I yr.; dis. July 1, '65.
Priv. Barr, Joseph, drafted, Oct. 20, '63, for 3 yrs.; wd. in action at Green Plains,
Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64; dis. June 17, '65.
Priv. Beiderman, Robert, sub., Feb. 25, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Bradley, Patrick, drafted, Sept. 24, '63, for 3 yrs.; wd. in trenches near
Petersburg, Va., July 10, '64; was corp. from April 22, '65 ; reduced to
priv. June 25, '65, for desertion; restored to duty without trial by order
of Maj. Gen. A. Ames, with approval of com. of 10th corps; mus. out
Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Bradlick, William, drafted, Feb. 21, '65, for 1 yr.; dis. July 14, '65.
Priv. Bratz, Gottfried, drafted, Sept. 29, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. June 29, '65.
Priv. Bravo, Charies, drafted. Sept. 28, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. July 22, '65.
Priv. Brookens, John A., sub., March 4, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Brown, Edward, drafted, Nov. 5, '63, for 3 yrs.; wd. in action at Green
Plains, Bermuda Hd., Ya., May 20, '64; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Brown, George, drafted, Oct. 15, '63, for 8 yrs.; wd. in trenches, near
Petersburg, Ya., June 17, '64; ab. sick at mus. out.
Priv. Brown, Henry M., drafted, July 24, '63, for 3 yrs.; wd. in action at Green
Plains, Bermuda Hd., Ya., May 20, '64; died of wds. at U. S. Hosp.,
New York, Aug. !23, '64; bu. in Cypress Hill Cem., L. I.
Priv. Brown, Joseph, sub., Feb. 24, '65. for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, 65.
Priv. Butler, Harris 0., sub., Oct. 20, '64, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
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494 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
Friv, Carney, Michael, drafted, Oct. 20, '63, for 3 yra; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Chase, Simeon, sub., Oct 21, '64, for 1 jr.; wd. in action at Fort Fisher,
N. C, Jan. 15, '65; died of wds. at U. S. Hosp., New York, April 16,
'65; bu. in Cypress Hill Cem., L I.
Priv. Cole, Clinton; rec't; mus. Jan. 25, '65, for 1 yr.; dis. July 16, '65.
Priv. Cotterman, Adam, sub., March 2, '65, for 1 yr.; ab. sick at mus. out.
Priv. Coulter, Lewis B.; rec't; mus. Feb. 20, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Cunningham, Joseph, drafted, Feb. 21, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Davis, Jonathan, drafted, Feb. 4, '65, for 1 yr.; died of typhoid fever at
Raleigh, N. C, June 9, '65; bu. in Nat. Cem., sec. 20, grave 26.
Priv Davison, Charles W., drafted, Oct. 19, '63, for 3 yrs.; dis. May 30, '65.
Priv. Deison, William, drafted, Oct. 23, '63, for 3 yrs.; wd. in action at Green
Plains, Bermuda Hd., Ya., May 20, '64; dis. at Hampton Hosp., ya.,OD
acct. of w'ds, June 17, '65.
Priv. Devons, John A. L., drafted, Oct. 23, '63, for 3 yrs.; capt'd in action at
Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64. [Never heard from.]
Priv. Dingee, Joseph A., drafted, Sept. 30, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. June 15, '65.
Priv. Eckman, Samuel J., drafted, Feb. 3, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Eitel, John J., sub., Feb. 22, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Fillinger, Charles, sub., March 1, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Fix, Daniel, sub., March 3, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Fix, John, drafted, Feb. 21, '65, for 1 yr.; deserted June 14, '65.
Priv. Flyght, Edward, drafted, Sept. 22, '63, for 3 yrs.; wd. in action at Green
Plains, Bermuda Hd., Ya., May 20, '64; died of chron. diarr. at New-
born, N. C, May 24, '65; bu. in Nat. Cem., sec. 70, grave 30.
Priv. Fowler, Robert J., drafted, Sept 27, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. June 29, '65.
Priv. Fox, Joseph, drafted, Sept. 27, '64, for 1 yr.; deserted at time of draft;
retaken; $30 stopped for apprehension; ab. sick at mus. out.
Priv. Glass, Samuel, drafted, Feb. 21, '65, for 1 yr.; dis. May 23, '65.
Priv. Glunt. John Y., drafted, Nov. 14. '64, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Granger, Frederick, sub., March 1, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Gross, Christian, drafted, Oct. 27, '63, for 3 yrs.; deserted JuW 14, '64.
Priv. Haines, Elijah, drafted, Oct. 21, '63, for 3 yrs.; killed in action at Green
Plains, Bermuda Hd., Ya., May 20, '64.
Priv. Harris, John 0., drafted, Nov. 6, '63, for 3 yrs.; ab. sick at mus. out.
Priv. Hartman, Christian, drafted, Sept. 21, '63, for 3 yrs.; ab. sick at mus. out.
Priv. Heindson, John D, sub., March 1, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out. Aug. 28, '65^
Priv. Hitchcock, William, drafted, Sept. 30, '64, for 1 yr.; died of typhoid fever
at Raleigh, N. C, May 31, '65; bu. in Nat. Cem., sec. 20, grave 25.
Priv. Hobman, George, sub., March 3, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Holmes, Robert, drafted, Sept. 30, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. June 29, '65.
Priv. Hotchkiss, Charies E, sub., Oct. 21, '64, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '66.
Priv. Johnson, George, drafted, Sept. 23, '63, for 3 yrs.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Johnson, Jesse F., sub., March 2, '65, for 1 yr.; died of typhoid fever at
Raleigh, N. C, June 2, '65.
Priv. Johnson Squire, drafted, Oct. 26, '64, for 1 yr.; killed in action at Fort
Fisher, N. C, Jan. 15, '65.
Priv. Jones, Castleton B., drafted, Feb. 22, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '66.
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KOSTER AND RECORD OP SERVICE; COMPANY C. 495
Priv. Jones, John T., drafted, Feb. 22, '65, for 1 yr.; deserted July 15, 65.
Priv. Jones, Samuel R., drafted, Feb. 22, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Jarisch, Charles A., drafted, Sept. 28, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. June 29, '65.
Priv. Keys, Alexander; rec't; mus. Feb. 14, '65; ab. at mus. out.
Priv. Keys, John; rec't; mus. Feb. 14, '65; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Kirk, William H., drafted, July 22, '63, for 3 yrs.; dis. June 21, 65.
Priv. Lamb, Edward H., drafted, Sept. 21, '63, for 3 yrs.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Lott, Jesse C, drafted, Sept. 24, '63, for 3 yrs.; w'd in trenches, at Ber-
muda H'd, Va., June 21, '64; deserted Aug. 21, '64.
Priv. McClellan, Benjamin; rec't; mus, Jan. 28, '65, for I yr.; tr. to Bat. B, 3d
U. S. Arty., June 24, '65. [Dis. Nov. 22, '65, to date Aug. 30, '65.]
Priv. McDonald, John, sub., Oct. 23, '63, for 3 yrs.; w'd in action at Petersburg
Mine, Va.^ July 30, '64; ab. since in U. S. Hosp.
Priv. McKenna, Lorenzo, sub., Oct. 19, '64, for I yr.; dis. May 17, '65.
Priv. McSwain, Asher, drafted, Sept. 21, '63, for 3 yrs.; ab. at mus. out.
Priv. Miller, Chandler, drafted, Oct. 27, '63, for 3 yrs.; dis. by S. 0. War Dept.
Feb. 2, '64, being under 18 yrs. of age.
Priv. Miller, John, drafted, July 24, '63, for 3 yrs.; died at City Point, Va.,
June 26, '64.
Priv. Miller, William, drafted, Sept. 30, '64, for 1 yr.; wd. in action at Fort
Fisher, N. C, Jan. 15, '65; dis. on acct. of wds. May 15, '65.
Priv. Mitchel, James J., sub., March 3, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Moandoafer, Andrew, sub., March 2, '65, for 1 yr; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Moore, William, drafted, Jan. 13, '65, for 1 yr.; died of typhoid fever at
Raleigh, N. C, July 5, '65; bu. in Nat. Cem., sec. 20, grave 43.
Priv. Myers, David C, drafted, March 4, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Persun, Nathan, drafted, Dec. 8, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. July 30, '65.
Priv. Pogue, Solomon, drafted, Feb. 22, '65, for I yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. E;eed, Christian, drafted, Dec. 8, '64, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Reed, Luther, drafted, Sept. 30, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. June 29, '65.
Priv. Remmers, Henry, sub., March 2, '65, for 1 yr.; ab. at mus. out on furlough.
Priv. Riley, William, drafted, Oct. 24, '63, for 8 yrs.; deserted June 3, '64.
Priv. Ritchie, James W., drafted, Oct. 19, '63, for 3 yrs.; wd. in action at Green
Plains, Bermuda Hd., Ya., May 20, '64; dis. June 30, '65.
Priv. Rosencrantz, Ziba, drafted, Sept. 12, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. June 29, '65.
Priv. Seeman, John, sub, Feb. 27, '65, for 1 yr.; dis. July 15, '65.
Priv. Seigle, Solomon, sub., Sept. 15, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. June 29, '65.
Priv. Selle, George, drafted, Jan. 19, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Shaffer, Mandin J., sub., March 2, '65; joined co. March 30, '65; mus. out
Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Simmons, John, sub., March 1, '65, for 3 yrs.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Simmerson, William T., drafted, Feb. 4, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Sleek, Thomas J., drafted, May 4, '65, for 1 yr.; deserted June 15, '65.
Priv. Smith, George, sub., March 3, '65, for 1 yr.; joined co. March 30, '65; mus.
out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Smith, John, sub., March 4, '65, for 1 yr.; joined co. March 30, '65; mus.
out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Smith, Richard T., sub., June 7, '64, for 3 yrs.; dis. June 10, '65.
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496 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
Priv. Smith, Samuel, drafted, Oct. 27, '63, for 3 yrs.; killed bj grape shot in
action at Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64.
Priv. Smith, William H., drafted, Oct. 21, '63, for 3 yrs.; wd. in action at Green
Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64 ; dis. Dec. 28, '64.
Pri7. Steinmetz, Leonard, drafted, July 24, '63, for 3 yrs.; dis June 9, '65.
Pri7. Strouse, Lewis, sub., March 2, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Toliver, Philip; rec't; mus. Jan. II, '65, for 1 yr.; deserted April 16, '65.
Priv. Vanlew, George W., sub., March 2, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '66.
Priv. Walborn, Daniel, drafted, Feb. 4, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug 28. '65.
Priv. Watts, Philip, drafted, Feb. 3, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Weed, Edwin, drafted, Feb. 4, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Welch, Charles, drafted, Sept. 12, '64, for 1 yr.; wd. in action at Fort
Fisher, N. C, Jan. 15, '65; dis. June 11, '65.
Priv. Wilkins, Charles, drafted, Oct., 24, '63, for 3 yrs.; deserted March 12, '64.
Priv. Wilson, Henry; rec't; mus. Jan. 28, '65, for 1 yr.; dis. June 12, '65.
Priv. Woodcock, Jesse, drafted, Feb. 21, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Worth, Charles C ; rec't; mus. Jan. 27, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65,
COMPANY D, OONCORDYILLB RIFLES.
Capt. William S. Mendenhall, 32 yrs., printer, Delaware Co.; volunteered in
Mexican War; served as a priv. in the 1st Del. Vols, in 3 mos. ser-
vice; mus. Sept. 20, '61, for 3 yrs.; wd in action at Green Plains, Ber-
muda Hd., Va., May 20, '64; again wd. in action at Peterburg Mine, Va.,
July 30, '64; hon. dis. at U. S. Hosp., Annapolis, Md., Oct. 4, '64, on
acct. of wds. and exp. of term.
Capt Henry Odiorne, 23 yrs., photographer, Ivy Mills, Delaware Co.; first en-
tered service as priv. in Co. D, 19th P. V., April 27, '61, for 3 mos.; mus.
Sept. 6, '61. for 3 yrs.; ap. 1st sergt. Sept. 20, '61; pr. to 2d lieut July
30, '63; pr. to 1st lieut. June 1, '64; pr. to capt. Dec. 3, '64; not mas.;
killed in action at Fort Fisher, N. C, Jan. 15, '65.
Capt. Isaac B. Taylor, 26 yrs., blacksmith, East Whiteland ; first entered service
as priv. in Co. A, 9th P. V., April 21, '61, for 3 mos.; mus. Sept 20, '61,
for 3 yrs.; ap. 5th sergt; pr. to 4th sergt. July 30, '63; vet.; re-nius.
March 15, '64, to date Dec. 1, '63; wd. in action at Foster's Place, Ber-
muda Hd., Va , May 18, '64; pr. to 1st sergt, to rank from June 1, '64;
ap. to 2d lieut Sept. 6, '64, to rank from June 1, '64; pr. to 1st lieut
Dec. 3, '64; again wd. in action at Fort Fisher, N. C, Jan. 15,'65; pr.
to capt Feb 15, '65 ; mus. out with co. Aug. 28, '65.
Ist Lieut George W. Williams, 31 yrs., carpenter, Crozierville ; mus. Sept 19,
'61, for 3 yrs.; disabled by a fall while on duty at night, at Seabrook Is-
land, June, '63; res. and hon. dis, at Morris Island, S. C, July 29, '63.
[Re-entered service for 100 days emergency, July 25, '64, as capt Co. D.
197th P. v.]
1st Lieut Isaac Fawkes, 32 yrs., stone mason, Dilworthtown ; first entered ser-
vice as priv. in Co. A, 9th P. V., April 22, '61, for 3 mos.; mus. 2d lieut
Sept, 20, '61, for 3 yrs.; pr. to 1st lieut July 80, '63; mus. Nov. 16, '68;
killed in action at Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64; bu. in
Nat. Cem., City Point, Va., sec. A, div. 1, grave 88.
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ROSTER AND RECORD OP SERVICE; COMPANY D. 497
iBt Lieut. David W. Odiorne, 18 yrs., photographer, Ivy Mills, Delaware Co.;
first entered service as priv. in Co. D, 19th P. V., April 27, *6l, for
3 mos.; mus. Sept. 6, '61, for 3 yrs.; ap. 1st corp. Sept. 20, '61; pr.
to 6th sergt. July 30, '63; veL; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Dec.
1, '63; pr. to 2d sergt. Sept. 6, '64; pr. to Ist sergt. Sept. 19, '64, to
rank from July 1, '64; wd. in action at Fort Gilmer, Va., Sept. 29, '64;
pr. to 2d lieot. Dec. 5, '64; pr. to 1st lieut. Feb. 15, '65; mus. out with
CO. Aug. 28, '65.
2d Lieut. Charles H. Hannum, 24 yrs., carpenter, Concordville; mus. Sept. 6,
'61, for 3 yrs.; ap. 2d sergt. Sept. 20, '61; pr. to 1st sergt. July 30, '63;
pr. to 2d lieut. June 1, '64; not mus.; pr. not accepted ; mus. out as 1st
sergt. Sept. 19, '64, at exp. of term.
2d Lieut. John W. Brooks, 20 yrs., blacksmith, Concordville; mus. as priv. Sept.
6, '61, for 3 yrs.; pr. to 8th corp. Oct. 2, '62, for faithful service; vet;
re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Dec. I, '63; wd. in action at Foster's
Place, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 18, '64; pr. to sergt. Sept. 6, '64; pr. to
1st sergt. Dec. 5, '64; pr. to 2d lieut. Feb. 15, '65, for gallant service at
Fort Fisher, N. C; mus. out with co. Aug. 28, '65.
Ist Sergt. Philip E. Hannum, 21 yrs., farmer. Concord; mus. as priv. Sept. 6, '61,
for 3 yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Dec. 3, '63 ; wd. in action
at Foster's Place, Bermuda Hd., Ya., May 18, '64; pr. to corp. Sept. 6,
'64; pr. to sergt. Dec. 5, '64 ; again wd. in action at Fort Fisher, N. C,
Jan. 15, '65; pr. to 1st sergt. Feb. 15, '65; mus. out with co. Aug. 28,
'65. [" Served continuously with co. In all engagements ; was gallant
and brave." — Capt. M.]
Sergt. Samuel McBride, 29 yrs., cotton manufacturer, Knowlton, Delaware Co.;
mus. Sept. 6, '61, for 3 yrs.; ap. 3d sergt. Sept 20, '61 ; pr. to 2d sergt.
July 30, '63; wd. in action at Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20,
'64 ; mus. out Sept. T, '64, at exp. of term.
Sergt John E. Davis, 25 yrs., dentist. West Chester; mus. Sept 9, '61, for 3
yrs.; ap. 4th sergt Sept 20, '61; pr. to 3d sergt July 30, '63; mus.
out Sept 19, '64, at exp. of term. [Re-entered service in U. S. Marine
Corps.]
Sergt Stephen W. Cloud, 23 yrs., carpenter, Wilmington, Del; mus. Sept.
6, '61, for 3 yrs.; ap. 2d corp. Sept 20, '61 j pr. to 1st corp. July 30,^
'63; pr. to sergt. Nov. 9, '63; ab. sick at exp. of term. Sept 6, '64;
supposed dis. according to circular 36, War Dept.; orders received to
drop name from rolls. ["Was a good soldier; always at Ms post" —
Capt M.]
Sergt David Morrow, Jr., 22 yrs., farmer. Glen Mills, Delaware Co.; mus. as
priv. Sept 9, '61, for 3 yrs.; pr. to corp. July 12, '62; vet.; re-mus. March
15, '64, to date Dec. 1, '63; wd. in action at Green Plains, Bermuda Hd.,
Va., May 20, '64; pr. to sergt Oct 10, '64; mus. out with co. Aug. 28,
'65. ["Was a faithful soldier."— Capt M.]
Sergt. Alfred Young, 19 yrs., printer, Chelsea, Delaware Co.; mus. as priv. Sept.
6, '61, for 3 yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Dec. 3, '63; pr. to
sergt. Sept 6, '64; mus. out with co. Aug. 28^ '65,. ["Was a brave,
faithftil and fearless soldier." — Capt M.]
3?
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498 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
Sergt. Isaac Sapp, 38 yrs., cotton spiDoer, Concord ; mus. as priv. Sept. 6, '61,
for 3 yrs.; wd. with picket boat in Light House Creek, Morris Island,
S. C, Aug. 4, '63 ; vet; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Dec. 1, '63 ; wd.in
action at Foster's Place, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 18. '64; again wd. \u
action at Petersburg Mine,* Va., July 30, '64 ; again wd. in trenches near
Petersburg, Va., Aug. 4, '64, and wd. in action at Strawberry Plains, Va.
Aug. 16, '64; pr. to sergt. Oct. 10, '64; died of chron. diarr. at U. S.,
Hosp., Point of Rocks, Va., March 12, '65; bu. in Nat. Cem., City Point,
Va., sec. A, div. 3, grave 36. ['' Distinguished for courage, coolness and
fidelity to an eminent degree." — Capt. M.]
Sergt. James A. Allen, 20 yrs., farmer, Avondale, Chester Co.; mus. Sept 6,
'61, for 3 yrs.; ap. 4th corp. Sept. 20, '61; reduced to ranks Oct. 2, '62;
veL; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Dec. 1, '63; pr. to corp. Oct. 10, '64;
pr. to sergt. Dec. 5, '64; mus. out with co. Aug. 28, '65. ["Was a
steady good soldier." — Capt. M.]
Sergt. William McCarty, 25 yrs, coal miner, Minersville, Schuylkill Co.,
mus. Sept. 6, '61, for 3 yrs.; ap. 6th corp. Sept. 20, '61 ; reduced to ranks
July 1, '62; vet,; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Dec. 1, '63; wd. inaction
at Fort Gilmer, Va., Sept. 29, '64; pr. to corp. Oct. 10, '64, and ap.
color guard ; brought the colors from the field of action at Darby Town
Road, Va., Oct. 29, '64; pr. to sergt. Dec. 5, '64, and ap. color sergt. for
gallantry before Richmond; wd. in action at Fort Fisher, N. C, Jan. 15,
'65, and received hon. notice in order from Hd.-Qrs. War Dept. for dis-
tinguished bravery in that action ; mus. out with co. Aug. 28, '65.
Corp. Wilbur F. Flannery, 20 yrs., clerk, Village Green; mus. Sept. 6, '61, for
3 yrs.; ap. 3d corp. Sept. 20, '61; pr. to 2d corp. July 30, '63; mus. out
Sept. 19, '64, at exp. of term. [Was on detached service at dept. hd.-
qrs. during most bf term.]
Corp. William H. Sugden, 25 yrs., harness maker. Media; mus. Sept. 24, '61,
for 3 yrs.; ap. 5th corp.; pr. to 4th corp. July 30, '63;- mus. out Sept. 30,
'64, at exp. of term.
Corp. Robert Fairlamb, 25 yrs.; carpenter, Media; mus. Sept. 16, '61, for 3 yrs.;
ap. 8th corp. Sept. 20, '61; pr. to 7th corp. Nov. 1, '61; pr. to 6th corp.
July 30, '63; mus. out Sept. 19, '64, at exp. of term. ["Was a faitbfiil,
reliable soldier." — Capt. M.]
Corp. Daniel H. Freas, 28 yrs.; farmer, White Marsh, Montgomery Co.; mus. as
priv. Sept. 21, '61, for 3 yrs.; pr. to 8th corp. Nov. 1, '61; pr. to 7th corp.
July 30, '63; vet; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Dec. 1, '63; wd. in
action at Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64; leg amputated;
died of wds. at U. S. Hosp., Point Lookout, Md., May 23, '64. [*'Was
faithful and brave to a fault." — Capt. M.]
Corp. Isaac N. Stout, 20 yrs.; wheelwright. Lower Merion, Montgomery Co.;
mus. as priv. Sept. 23, '61, for 3 yrs.; pr. to corp. May 1, '62 [*' for con-
stant good conduct." — Capt. M.]; vet; re-mus. March 15, '64, to data
Dec. 1, '63; wd. in action at Foster's Place, Bermuda Hd , Va., May 18,
'64; at Hampton Hosp. for 1 yr.; tr. to McClellan Hosp., Philadelphia;
dis. on surg. cert., and died of wds. in '65. ["Noted for cleanliness,
faithfulness and courage ; beloved by officers and men." — Capt. M.]
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ROSTER AND RECORD OP SERVICE; COMPANY D. 499
Corp. Philip Gleave, 18 yrs., brewer, Parkesburg, Chester Co.; mus. as priv.
Sept. 11, '61, for 3 yrs.; vet.; re-mus. March 15, '64, -to date Dec. 1, '63;
pr. to Corp. Oct. 10, '64; mus. out with co. Aug. 28, '65.
Corp. John Goodwin, 18 yrs., weaver, Rockdale; mus. as prlv. Sept. 6, '61, for
3 yrs.; vet.; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Dec. 1, '63; wd. in action at
Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64; pr. to corp. Oct. 10, '64;
mus. out with co. Aug. 28, '65. ["Was distinguished for unusual good
conduct." — Capt. M.]
Corp. Jacob H. Hall, 24 yrs., farmer. Concord; mus. as priv. Sept. 21, '61, for 3
yrs.; veL; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Dec. 1, '63; wd. in action at
Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64; pr. to corp. April 1, '65;
dis. Aug. 11, '65. [** Was a faithful and reliable soldier." — Capt. M.]
Corp. Hamilton Humes, 18 yrs.. factoryman, Bancroft Mills; mus. as priv. Sept.
23, '61, for 3 yrs.; vet.; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Dec. 1, '63; pr. to
corp. April 1, '65 ; dis. by G. 0. June 24, '65, to re-enlist in Co. E, 3d
U. S. Arty.
Corp. Thomas Kelly, 19 yrs., factoryman, Lenni; mus. as priv. Sept. 24, '61, for
3 yrs.; vet.; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Dec. 1, '63; overstayed vet.
furlough from May 10 to 16, '64; $30 stopped from pay for apprehension ;
restored to duty without trial by order of Maj. Gen. Poster; pr. to corp.
April 22, '65; mus. out with co. Aug. 28, '65. ["Served faithfully until
the close of the war." — Capt. M.]
Corp. Thomas Rutter, 19 yrs., carder. Upland ; mus. as priv. Sept. 9, '61, for 3
• yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Dec. 1, '63; wd. in action at
Fort Gilmer, Va., Sept. 29, '64 ; pr. to corp. April 23, '65 ; mus. out with
CO. Aug. 28, '65. [Re-enlisted in XT. S. A., '65.] ['* Distinguished for
good conduct in battle and in camp." — Capt. M.]
Corp. John W. Carter, 19 yrs., farmer, Thornbury, Delaware Co.; mus. Sept.
16, '61, for 3 yrs., vet.; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Dec. 1, '63; wd. in
action at Foster's Place, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 18, '64; again wd. in
action at Darby Town Road, Va., Oct. 29, '64; pr.,to corp. June 1, '65;
mus. out with co. Aug. 28, '65. [A quiet, faithful soldier." — Capt. M.]
Corp. John Jordan, 19 yrs., cotton twister, Brandywine Village, Del.; mus. as
priv. Sept. 6, '61, for 3 yrs.; vet.; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Dec. 1,
'63; wd. in action at Foster's Place, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 18, '64;
again wd. in action at Port Gilmer, Va., Sept. 29, '64 ; pr. to corp. Aug.
1, '65; mus. out with co. Aug. 28, '65. [Served bravely and faithfully
with his company." — Capt. M.]
Musician Samuel J. Buckland, 21 yrs., bookbinder, Concord; mus. Sept. 16, '61,
for 3 yrs.; deserted while on furlough from Camp Wayne, Oct. 22, '61.
Musician David M. Cloud, 22 yrs., farmer, Wilmington, Del.; mus. Sept. 6, '61,
for 3 yrs.; ap. 7th corp. Sept. 20, '61; ap. musician at his own request
Oct. 1, '61; ab. sick at exp. of term, supposed dis. according to circular
36, War Dept.
Musician Isaac B. Hannum, 19 yrs., farmer. Concord; mus. as priv. Sept. 6, '61;
for 3 yrs.; ap. musician Oct. 28, '61; vet.; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date
Dec. 1, '63 ; mus. out with co. Aug. 28, '65. [Was in all engagements as
a private; a good soldier." — Capt. M.]
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500 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
Musician James St. John, Sr., 61 jrs., drummer, Philadelphia; was priocipal
musician frAn organization of regt. until dis. by G. 0. 126, War Dept.,
Oct. 13, '62; re-enlisted and mus. as drummer of Co. D., Nov. 26, '62, for
3 yrs.; pr. to principal musician May 1, '63. ["St. John was a drummer
boy in the war of 1812; was a soldier in the Mexican war; was dnun
maj. of the 9th P. V., in the 3 mos. service, and drum maj. of the 97th
P. V. from Aug. 22, '61, until Oct. 13, '62. He had two sons in this regt
and two in the Army of the Potomac. He was considered the best
drummer in Pennsylvania." Furnished from column of remarks, Alpha-
betical Roll, Co. D, 97th P. v., by Brig. Gen. James E. Latta, A^juUnt
General, Pa.]
Musician Harmon B. Cloud, 19 yrs., farmer, Brandy wine Tillage, Del.; mus. as
priv. Sept. 6, '61, for 3 yrs.; wd. in trenches at Morris Island, S. C,
Sept. 3, '63; vet; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Dec. 1, '63; ap. mu-
sician Oct. 10, '64; served in ranks from choice during most of term; mus.
out with CO. Aug. 28, '65.
Teamster John F. Cloud, 44 yrs., carpenter, Lenni ; mus. Sept. 6, '61, for 3 yrs.;
dis. on surg. cert., at Fortress Monroe, Va., Dec. 8, '61.
Teamster Francis W. Starkey, 28 yrs., farmer, Glen Mills; mus. Sept. 16,
'61, for 3 yrs.; ap. teamster in '62, date not given; mus. out Sept 19,
'64, at exp. of term. [" Was a steady, faithful and reliable soldier."—
Capt. M.]
Priv. Babe, Robert, 20 yrs., farmer, Chelsea, Del. Co.; mus. Sept. 11, '61, forS
yrs.; vet.; re-inus. Mar. 15, '64, to date Dec. 1, '63; wd. with loss of foot,
in action at Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64 ; dis. at Hagar
Hosp., Point Lookout, Md., on acct. of wds. Aug. 20, '64.
Priv. Baker, Joseph, 24 yrs., miller. Glen Mills; mus. Sept. 24, '61, for 3 yrs.;
died of consumption at Hilton Head, S. C, July 25, '62.
Priv. Barr, James, 19 yrs., carder, Bancroft Mills,; mus. Sept. 16, '61, for 3 yrs.;
wd. in action at Foster's Place, Bermuda Hd., Va., M&f 18, '64; mus.
out Sept. 19, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Beaumont, James, 18 yrs., weaver, Enowlton; mus. Sept. 9, '61, for 3 yrs..
vet; re-mus. Mar. 15, '64, to date Dec. 1, '63; wd. in action at Cold
Harbor, Va., June 3, '64; again wd. in action at Strawberry Plains, Va.,
Aug. 16, '64; mus. out with co. Aug. 28; '65.
Priv. Berry, William, 25 yrs., seaman, Leroy, Genesee Co., N. Y.; mus. Sept
6, '61, for 3 yrs.; dis. on surg. cert, at TJ. S. Hosp., Fort Wood, N. Y.
Harbor, March 18, '63.
Priv. Booth, John, 18 yrs., farmer. Bethel; mus. Sept. 23, '61, for 3 yrs.; de-
serted while on furlough from Camp Wayne Oct. 22, '61.
Priv. Booth, Joseph E., 22 yrs., farmer, Bethel; mus. Sept 19, '61, for 3 yrs.;
died of chron. diarr. at Morris Island, S. C, Oct 3, '63.
Priv. Brierly, James, 19 yrs., cotton spinner, Marcus Hook; mus. Sept 28, '61,
for 3 yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Dec. 1, '63; wd., with
loss of leg, in action at Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64;
died on board hosp. barge Gen. Wool, at Bermuda Landing, May 21, '64.
Priv. Brown, William H., 21 yrs., stone mason, Pocopson, Chester Co.; mus.
Sept 18, '61, for 3 yrs.; died at Hilton Head, S. C, Dec. 6, '62.
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ROSTER AND RBCORD OP SERVICE; COMPANY D. 501
Priv. Bullock, James S., 19 yrs., blacksmith, Centreville, Del.; mus. Oct. 26,
'61, for 3 yrs.; wd. Id action at Foster^s Place, Bermuda Hd., Va., May
18, '64; rejoined co. from hosp., Sept., '64; mus. out Oct. 26, '64, at exp.
of term. ["Was a good soldier." — Capt. M.]
PnV. Bullock, William W., 18 yrs., farmer, Christiana Hd., Del.; mus. Sept. 6,
'61, for 3 yrs.; wd. in action at Wier Bottom Church, Va., Aug. 26, '64;
mus. out Sept. 19, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Burley, Robert, 19 yrs., weaver, Upland; mus. Sept. 9, '61, for 3 yrs.;
vet.; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Dec. 1, '63; wd. in action at Ceme-
tery Hill, Va., June 30, '64; supposed to have died in hosp. from wds.;
never heard from. ["Was a faithful and gallant soldier." — Capt. M.]
Priv. Burns, Daniel, 33 yrs., farmer. Concord; mus. Sept. 11, '61, for 3 yrs.;
mus. out Sept. 19, '64, at exp. of term. [Died in Philadelphia, date un-
. known.]
Priv. Butler, Ephraim, 28 yrs., plasterer, Parkerville, Chester Co.; mus. Sept.
6, '61, for 3 yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Dec. 1, '63; mus.
out with CO. Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Cathcart, William, 23 yrs., weaver, Rockdale; mus. Sept. 11, '61, for 3
yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Dec. 1, '63; mus. out with co.
Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Cloud, Charles S., 19 yrs., cotton picker, Crozierville ; mus. Sept. 6, '61,
for 3 yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 15, '64, tar date Dec. 1, '63; wd. in action
at Cemetery Hill, Va., June 30, '64; died of wds. in field hosp., 10th
corps, near Petersburg, Va., July 1, '64. ["A brave and fearless soldier ;
always at his post." — Capt. M.]
Priv. Cloud, Henry H., 19 yrs., spinner, Brandywine Village, Del.; mus. Sept. 6,
'61, for 3 yrs.; wd. in action at Strawberry Plains, Va., Aug. 16, '64; ab.
from wds, at mus. out; supposed dis. Sept. 19, '64, by circular 36, War
Dept., at exp. of term. ["Four brothers and an uncle in company; all
good soldiers." — Capt. M.]
Priv. Cloud, Lewis C, 18 yrs., farmer, Brandywine Village, Del.; mus. Sept. 6,
'61, for 3 yrs.; dis. on surg. cert, at Hilton Head, S. C, Dec. 10, '62.
Priv. Cloud, Samuel J., 18 yrs.; farmer, Pocopson, Chester Co.; mus. Nov. 4, '61,
for 3 yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Dec. 1, '63; mus. out with
CO. Aug. 28, '65. ['' Faithful and brave soldier ; in all engagemcfnts ; nar-
rowly scratched several times." — 'Capt. M.]
Priv. Crosson, James, 18 yrs., farmer, Pennsbury, Chester Co.; mus. Sept. 9,
'61, for 3 yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Dec. 1, '63; wd. in
action at Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64; tr. to Vet.
Res. Corps, Dec. 30, '64, as per notice received from Satterlee Hosp.,
Philadelphia.
Priv. Davis, Benjamin, 23 yrs., printer, Chester; mus. Sept. 20, '61, for 3 yrs.;
died of typhoid dysentery at Hilton Head, S. C, Sept. 10, '62. ["A
scholar and soldier." — Capt. M.]
Priv. Dowling, John, 21 yrs., carder, Marcus Hook,.; mus. Sept. 28, '61, for
3 yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Dec. 1, '63; wd. in action at
Petersburg Mine, Va., July 30, '64; mus. out with co. Aug. 28, '66
[*' Was a fine, clean soldier." — Capt. M.]
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502 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
Priv. Drake, Samuel, 19 yrs., stone mason, Rockdale; mus. Sept. 6, '61, for 3
yrs.; died of climatic fever at Edisto Island, S. C, June 8, '62. [The
first death in co.-]
Priv. Eavenson, George W., 23 yrs., wheelwright, Thornburj ; mus. Sept. 9,
'61, for 3 yrs.; mus. out. Sept. 19, '64, at exp. of term. ["Though sickly
during most of the term, he was a faithful soldier." — Capt. M.]
Priv. Elliott, Thomas, 26 yrs., teamster, Knowlton, mus. Sept. 6, '61, for 3 yrs.;
veL; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Dec. 1, '63; mus. out with co. Aug.
28, '65.
Priv. Eyre, Joseph L., 21 yrs., farmer, Bethel; mus. Sept 16, '61, for 3 yrs.;
killed in night attack upon picket boat in Light House Creek, Morris
Island, S. C, Aug. 4, '63.
Priv. Fawkes, Abraham, 27 yrs., farmer, Ooshen; mus. Sept. 9, '61, for 3 yrs.;
mus. out Sept. 9, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Frame, Francis M., 22 yrs., farmer, Birmingham; mus. Sept. 20, '61, for 3
yrs.; wd. in action at Foster's Place, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 18, '64;
mus. out Sept. 19, '64, at exp. of term. ["Served faithfully with his
CO." — Capt. M.] [After dis. received ap. as clerk in com. dept in Sheri-
dan's Army, in Shenandoah Valley, Va.]
Priv. Ferguson, Robert J., 18 yrs., painter, Crozierville ; mus. Sept. 6, '61, for 3
yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Dec. 1. '63; overstayed vet.
furlough from May 10 to 26, '64; $30 stopped from pay for appre-
hension; restored to duty without trial by order of Maj. Gen. D. B.
Birney; was slightly wd. accidentally, July 4, '64; mus. out with co.
Aug. 28, '65. ["Was a good, faithful soldier; an excellent shot."—
Capt. M.]
Priv. Griffith, William H., 24 yrs., farmer, Concord; mus. Sept. 23, '61, for 3 yrs.;
vet.; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Dec. 1, '63; wd. in action at Fort
Gilmer, Va., Sept. 29, '64 ; mus. out with co. Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Hadfield, Levi, 19 yrs., weaver, Bancroft Mills; mus. Sept. 16, '61, for 3
yrs.; wd. in action at Petersburg Heights, Va., June 16, '64 ; mus. out
Sept. 19, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Hamilton, James, 18 yrs., farmer, Bethel; mus. Sept. 6, '61, for 3 yrs.;
vet.; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Dec. 1, '63; wd. in trenches, near
Petersburg, Va., July 26, '64; mus. out with co. Aug. 28, '65. ["In all
engagements with company." — Capt. M.]
Priv. Hannum, Enoch, 33 yrs., farmer, Birmingham; mus. Sept. 18, '61, for 3
yrs.; dis. on surg. cert, at Edisto Island, S. C, May 24, '62.
Priv. Harman, John G., 42 yrs., cordwainer, Mortonville, Delaware Co.; mus-
Sept. 20, '61, for 3 yrs.; mus. out Sept. 19, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Harry, John B., 24 yrs., butcher, Pocopson, Chester Co.; mus. Nov. 13, '61,
for 3 yrs.; dis. on surg. cert, at Hilton Head, S. C, Jan. 8, '62.
Priv. Higgins, Henry, 18 yrs., farmer, Oxford; mus. Sept. 24, '61, for 3 yrs.;
wd. in right hand on picket, James Island, S. C, June 26, '62; mus. out
Sept. 23, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Howarth, Richard S., 26 yrs., tinsmith, Concordville ; mus. Sept 21, '61,
for 3 yrs.; mus out Sept. 19, '64, at exp. of term. [** Was in all battles
with his company; a brave and faithful soldier." — Capt M.]
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ROSTER AND RECORD OF SERVICE; COMPANY D. 503
Priv. Huey, John E., 19 yrs., farmer, BirmiDgham; nius. Sept. 21, '61, for 3 yrs.;
dis. on surg. cert, at St. Helena Island, S. C, Dec. 10, '62. ["Was a
useful, willing soldier.'' — Capt. M.]
Privr. Hughes, Benjamin, 18 yrs., farmer. East Whiteland; mus. Sept. 6, '61, for
3 yrs.; dis. on surg. cert, at Morris Island, S. C Sept. 2t, '63.
Priv. Jones, William (1st), 20 yrs.; farmer. Brandy wine Hd.. Del.; mus. Sept.
23, '61, for 3 yrs.; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Dec. 1, '63; mus. out
with CO. Aug. 28, '65. [Died at home, Oct., '65, from disease con-
tracted by exposure while in the service.] ["He was a good soldier." —
Capt. M.]
Priv. Karney, Michael, 20 yrs., farmer. Concord; mus. Sept. 6, '61, for 3 yrs.;
veL; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Dec. 1, '63; mus. out with co. Aug.
28, '65. ["At his post in every action; steady and reliable."— ^ apt. M.]
Priv. Kelly, William H., 18 yrs., farmer, Whitehall, Pa.; mus. Sept. 20, '61, for
3 yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Dec. 1, '63; wd. in trenches
near Petersburg, Va., by concussion from shell, Aug. 29, '64; died of wds.
at field hosp., 18th corps, Aug. 30, '64; bu. in Nat. Cem. City Point, Va.,
sec. D, div. 1, grave 2. ["A brave young soldier; the pet of his com-
rades; only son of a widow." — Capt. M.]
Priv. Keyzer, John C, 44 yrs., laborer, Lenni; mus. Sept. 16, '61, for 3 yrs.;
dis. on surg. cert, at West Chester, Oct. 17, '61, by order of Maj. Gen. Dix.
Priv. Kilroy, John, 35 yrs., laborer, Lenni; mus. Sept. 9, '61, for 3 yrs.; dis. on
surg. cert at West Chester Oct. 24, '61. by order of Maj. Gen. Dix.
[" These two mefn, Keyzer and Kiboy, were not of the stuff soldiers are
made of" — Capt. M.]
Priv. Lancaster, Thomas M., 22 yrs., farmer, Chelsea, Pa.; mus. Sept 11, '61,
for 3 yrs.; died of diptheria at St. Helena Island, S. C, Dec. 29, '62.
Priv. Martin, Ferdinand, 29 yrs., farmer, Allentowft, Pa.; mus. Nov. 13, '61, for
3 yrs.; died at Hilton Head, S. C, April 15, '63.
^Priv. Maxwell, Edward, 22 yrs., blacksmith. Village Green; mus. Sept. 6, '61,
for 3 yrs.; dis. on surg. cert, at St. Helena Island, S. C, Dec. 10, '62.
Priv. Macintosh, William W., 30 yrs., farmer, Concord; mus. Sept. 23, '61, for 3
yrs.; veL; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Dec. 1, '63; wd. in action at
Cold Harbor, Va., June 6, '64; was in hosp. until Dec, '64; rejoined
CO. and again wd. in action at Fort Fisher, N. C, Jan. 15. '65; mus.
out with CO. Aug. 28, '65. ["Was faithful and always at his post." —
Capt. M.]
Priv. McManus, James, 23 yrs., blacksmith, Brandywine Banks, Del; mus.
Sept. 6, '61, for 3 yrs.; wd. in action at Foster's Place, Bermuda Hd.,
Va., May 18, '64; dis for wds. from U. S. Hosp. Jan. 10, '65.
Priv. Miles, George W., 22 yrs., farmer, Paoli; mus. Sept. 9, '61, for 3 yrs.;
vet; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Dec. 1, '63; deserted from near Ra-
leigh, N. C, Aug. 3, '65. [Mus.-outroll.] ["Served faithfully with com-
pany three years; was in all engagements; was arrested for some act
contrary to military discipline, and jumped from cars on the way to Ra.
leigh, N. C, Aug. 3, 1865 ; not recaptured."— Capt. M.]
Priv. Moore, George B., 31 yrs., farmer. West Bradford; mus. Sept. 23, '61, for
3 yrs.; dis. on surg. cert, at Hilton Head, S. C, April 14, '62.
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504 HISTORY OP THE NINETY SEVENTH REGIMENT.
Priv. Parker, Samael, 19 yrs., cotton spinner, Lenni; mus. Sept. 6, '61, for 3
yrs.; veL; re-mns. March 15, '64, to date Dec. 1, '63; wd. and capt'd in
action at Strawberry Plains, Va., Aug. 16, '64; died in rebel prison at
Salisbury, N. C, Dec. 16, '64. [A brother, member of another Pa. regt.,
died in same prison.]
Priv. Pass, John, 23 yrs., farmer, Pennsbury; mus. Sept. 6, '61, for 3 yrs.; vet.;
re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Dec. 1, '63 ; wd. in action at Darby Town
Road, Va., Oct. 27, '64; mus. out with co. Aug. 28, '65. ["Was faithful,
steady and brave throughout." — Capt. M.]
Priv. Patterson, Riley, 24 yrs., farmer. East Whiteland; mus. Sept. 20, '61, for
3 yrs.; wd. in trenches, Morris Island, S. C, by concussion from cannoD
shot, date not given; died of chron. diarr. at Morris Island, S. C, Aug.
24^'63.
Priv. Pierce, George K., 23 yrs., farmer, Brandywine Hd., Del.; mus. Sept. 19,
'61, for 3 yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 15^ '64, to date Dec. 1, '63; wd. in
trenches near Petersburg, Va., by a rebel sharp-shooter, July 26, '64;
died of wds. at field hosp., 18th corps, July 27, '64. ["A steady, brave
man and cheerful soldier." — Capt. M.]
Priv. Pyle, Ezra B., 43 yrs.. East Whiteland; mus. Sept. 16, '61, for 3 yrs.; de-
serted from Camp Wayne Oct. 9, '61.
Priv. Pyle, Francis H., 31 yrs., carpenter, Concord; mus. Sept. 11, '61, for 3 yrs.;
vet; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Dec. 1, '63; mus. out with co. Aug.
28, '65. [^'Served faithfully during the war."— Capt. M.]
Priv. Pyle, Walter. 22 yrs., stone mason. Concord; mus.* Oct. 17, '61, for 3 yrs.i
vet.; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Dec. 1, '63; wd. in action near Peters-
burg Heights, Va., June IT, '64, and again in trenches near Petersburg,
Va., July 15, '64; mus. out with co. Aug. 28, '65. ["A good soldier."—
C&pt. M.]
Priv. Russell, Joseph, 24 yrs., farmer, Birmingham ; mus. Sept. 6, '61, for
3 yrs.; killed in night attack upon picket boat in Light House Creek, g
at Morris Island, S. C, Aug. 4, '63; bu. near the Light House, Morris
Island.
Priv. Sharp, John, 23 yrs., weaver, Avondale; mus. Sept. 11, '61, for 3 yrs.;
mus. out Sept. 19, '64, at exp. of term. ["Served continuously and faith-
fully with company until discharged." — Capt. M.]
Priv. Sheen, John, 33 yrs., farmer. Concord; mus. Sept. 6, '61, for 3 yrs.; dis.
on surg. cert, at U. S. Hosp., Hilton Head, S. C, May 9, '63. [After-
ward enlisted in lT5th P. V., and was killed in trenches before Peters-
burg, Va., in Aug., '64.]
Priv. Smith, Jacob B., 18 yrs., farmer, Tbornbury; mus. Sept. 6, '61, for 3 yrs.;
vet.; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Doc. 1, '63; wd. in trenches near
Petersburg, Va., July 18, '64; dis. on surg. cert, at Foster's Hosp., New-
born, N. C, July 10, '65.
Priv. Smith, Theodore M., 21 yrs., carpenter, Thornbury; mus. Sept. 9, '61, for
3 yrs.; dis. on surg. cert, at Seabrook Island, S. C, June 21, '63. [Re-
entered service in cavalry.]
Priv. Smith, William, 30 yrs., farmer. East Whiteland; mus. Sept. 23, '61, for 8
yrs.; tr. to Bat. E, 3d U. S. Arty., Nov. 17, '62, G. O. 154, War Dept
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ROSTER AND RECX)RD OF SERVICE; COMPANY D. 505
Priv. Stuckey, John H., 19 yrs., laborer, West Chester; mas. Sept. 6, '61, for 3
yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Dec. 1, '63; wd. in action at
Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64; leg Amputated; died of
wds. at U. S. HOsp., Point Lookout, Md., May 24, '64.
Priv. Tenney, Hugh, 20 yrs., farmer, Parkesburg; mus. Sept. 24, '61, for
3 yrs.; veL; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Dec. 1, '63; mus. out with co.
Aug. 28, '66. ["Was a good soldier."— Capt. M.]
Priv. Thompson, John, 34 yrs., blacksmith, Coucord; mus. Sept. 19, '6l, for 3
yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Dec. 1, '63; wd. in action at
Cemetery Hill, Va., June 30, '64; mus. out with co. Aug. 28, 65.
Priv. Walters, Jesse D., 18 yrs., cotton carder, Concord ; mus. Sept. 6, '61,
for 3 yrs.; veL; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Dec. 1, '63; killed in
picket skirmish near Petersburg, V a., June 29, '64; bu. in Nat. Cem.,
City Point, Va., sec. D, div. 4, grave 66. ["Was a good soldier."—
Capt. M.]
Priv. Watson, William, 19 yrs.; cotton weaver. Upland; mus. Sept. 9, '61, for 3
yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Dec. 1, '63; mus. out with co.
Aug. 28, '66. ["Served faithfully with company through the war."—
Capt.M.]
Priv. West, Joseph Benjamin, 18 yrs., carder, Crozierville ; rec't; mus. April
16, '64, for 3 yrs.; mortally wd. in action at Foster's Place, Bermuda Hd.,
, Va., May 18, '64; died of wds. May 26, '64. ["Only son of a widow; a
brave boy, giving promise of makiug a fine soldier." — Capt. M.}
Priv. Wright, James, 19 yrs., cotton «pinner, Marcus Hook; mus. Sept. 9, '61,
for 3 yrs.; died of yellow fever at Hilton Head, S. C, Oct. 23, '62.
["Was a remarkable neat soldier; always reliable."— Capt. M.]
Since joined — Drafted and Sv^stUutea.
Priv. Aikins, Charles B., sub., March 4, '66, for 3 yrs.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. AUeo, John J., sub., March 3, '66, for 3 yrs.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Alexander, Newton, sub., Feb. 28, '66, for 1 yr.; dis. July 11, '65.
Priv. Anderson, Charies (1st), drafted, Nov. 23, '64, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug.
28, '66.
Priv. Anderson, Charles (2d), sub., Feb. 27, '66, for 1 yr.; deserted Aug. 3, '66.
Priv. Balliet, Edward, drafted, Sept. 21, '63, for 3 yrs.; deserted Oct. 7, '63;
arrested in Aug., '64; returned to co. Dec. 6, '64; tried by court-martial;
sentenced to 6 mos. hard labor; finding of court approved, but sentence
remitted aud the soldier remanded to duty with co.; mus. out Aug.
28, '66.
Priv. Barrom, Abraham, drafted, Sept. 30, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. June 28, '65.
Priv. Beaumont, William ; rec't; mus. March 1, '66, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '66.
Priv. Besson, William, sub., Oct. 17, '64, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '66.
Priv. Blew, Charles H., drafted, Sept. 24, '63, for 3 yrs.; wd. in action at Fob-
ter's Place, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 18, '64; again at Cemetery Hill, Va.,
June 30, '64; dis. on surg. cert. June 12, '66. ["A brave man."—
Capt. M.]
Priv. Boyd, Richard, drafted, Oct. 21, '63, for 3 yrs.; deserted June 15, '64.
Priv. Brown, Charles, sub., Nov. 21, '64, for 3 yrs.; dis. June 28, '66.
Priv. Burke, Michael, sub., March 4, '66, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '66.
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506 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
Priv. Beichman, Emaouel, drafted, Sept. 24, '63, for 3 yrs.; wd. in action at
Strawberry Plains, Va., Aug. 16, '64; ab. from wds. at mus. out; no dip-
cbarge furnisbed. [''Killed in action — was • reliable, faitbful soldier."-—
Capt. M.]
Priv. Dodson, Jobn, drafted, Sept. 21, '64, for I yr.; dis. June 28, '65.
Priv. Duval, Jobn M., drafted, Sept. 19, '64, for I yr.; dis. June 28, '65.
Priv. Fair, Jobn D!, drafted, Sept. 19, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. May 23, '65.
Priv. Fairfield, Francis, drafted, Oct. 26, '63, for 3 yrs.; deserted May 19, '64;
arrested Nov. 1, '64; $30 stopped for apprebenslon ; ab. in arrest at mus.
out; at Alexandria, Va..
Priv. Frame, Abner, drafted, Oct. 26, '63, for 3 yrs.; wd. in action at Green
Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 18, '64 ; dis. on surg. cert. April 4, '65.
Priv. Funk, Adolpb, sub., Nov. 18, '64, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Geary, James, drafted, Sept. 23, '63, for 3 yrs; wd. in action, witb loss of
arm, at Darby Town Road, Va., Oct. 2t, '64; dis. for wds. June 8, '65.
Priv. Geigel, Jobn M.; drafted, Oct. 22, '63, for 3 yrs.; wd. sligbtly in action at
Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64; tr. to Vet. Res. Corps.
Sept 30, '64.
Priv. Gorman, James, sub., Feb. 27, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Gribbin, Christopher, drafted, Sept. 24, '63, for 3 yrs.; ab. sick at mus. out
Priv. Hafner, Michael, drafted, Nov. 12, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. June 16, '65. [Died
June 17, '65; bu. in Cypress Hill Cem., L. I.]
Priv. Haugh, Samuel, sub., Feb. 28, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Hazel, Charles, sub., Nov. 19, '64, for 3 yrs.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Heck, Henry, drafted, Nov. 16, '64, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Heckerman, Wilhelm, sub., Nov. 25, '64, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Heibel, Caspar, drafted, Sept. 24, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. June 28, '65.
Priv. Heller, John, drafted, Oct. 19, '63, for 3 yrs.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Hennigan, John W., sub., Feb. 25, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Herring, Charles, sub., Nov. 16, '64, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Hogg, Edward H., drafted, Oct. 23, '63, for 3 yrs.; wd. in actiun at Cold
Harbor, Va., June 6, '64 ; dis. on surg. cert. April 8, '65. [Formerly io
British Army.]
Priv. Humes, Kennedy; rec't; mus. April 15, '64, for 3 yrs.; joined co. May 2,
'64 ; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Jackson, William, drafted, Sept. 25, '63, for 3 yrs.; deserted May 19, '64,
apprehended Sept. 18, '64; $30 stoppage; in confinement at Alexandria,
Va., at mus. out.
Priv. Jones, Smith, drafted, Sept. 24, '63, for 3 yrs.; wd. in trenches near Pe-
tersburg, Va., July 3, '64 ; tr. to U. S. A. Aug. 6, '64, by G. O. War Dept
Priv. Jones. William (2d), drafted, Oct. 19, '63, for 3 yrs.; ab. sick at mus. out;
since May 21, '64. [Capt. M. reports this man a deserter, May 21, '64,
carrying away arms, accoutrements, etc.]
Priv. Larimer, William, sub., July 12, '64, for 3 yrs.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Lechner, John, drafted, Sept. 19, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. June 28, '65.
Priv. Lenhard, Bernard, sub., Nov. 23, '64, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Long, Andrew D., drafted, Sept. 24, '63, for 3 yrs.; wd. in action at Straw-
berry Plains, Va., Aug. 16, '64; dis. on surg. cert. July 1, '65.
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ROSTER AND RECORD OP SERVICE; COMPANY D. 607
Prir. Louis, John H., drafied, Oct. 22, '63, for 3 yrs.; ab. sick at mus. out, since
May 21, '64; mus. -out roll. [Capt. M. reports him a deserter on May 2,
'64, carrying off arms, etc.]
Priv. Mahan, Thomas, sub., Nov. 21, '64, for 1 yr, ; /leserted March 2, '65.
Priv. Martin, Joshua; rec't; mus. March 1, '65, for 1 yr.; joined co. April 13, '65;
mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. McClure, James, drafted, Oct 19, '63, for 3 yrs.; deserted June 6, '64.
Priv. McGee, Patrick, drafted, Oct. 19, '63, for 3 yrs.; wd. in action at Cemetery
Hill, Va., June 30, '64; again wd. in trenches, near Petersburg, Va., July
12, '64; dis. June 24, '65. [Re-enlisted in Co. E, 3d U. S. Arty.]
Priv. McGinley. Barney, sub., Feb. 27, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. McKinnemey, Allen, sub., March 2, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. McMinimee, John S., sub., Feb. 2t, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Morgan, Alban, sub., Feb. 27, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Myer, John, sub., Nov. 23, '64, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, 65.
Priv. Myers, James, drafted, Oct. 19, '63, for 3 yrs.; deserted June 15, '64.
Priv. Orchard, John, sub., March 4, '65, for 3 yrs.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Phillips, .John, sub., June 27, '64, for 3 yrs.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Putell, Jacob, drafted, Oct. 19, '63, for 3 yrs.; wd. in action at Green Plains ,
Bermuda Hd., A'a., May 20, '64 ; ab. in hosp. since May 20, '64.
Priv. Quinn, John, drafted, Oct. 23, '63, for 3 yrs.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Rannalls, James, drafted, Sept. 24, '63, for 3 yrs.; deserted May 10, '64
I" Captured, tried and sentenced to six months' imprisonment at Hilton
Head, S. C.,"— Capt. M.]
Priv. Shirden, John, sub., Nov. 24, '64, for 1 yr.; wd. in action at Fort Fisher,
N. C. Jan. 15, '65; mus. out Aug. 28, 165.
Priv. Shmpch, Solomon, sub., Feb. 28, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Singer, John, sub., Feb. 24, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Smith, John, drafted, Oct. 20, '63, for 3 yrs.; wd. in action at Green Plains,
Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64; died of wds. at Hampton Hosp., Va.,
June 5, '64. [''A brave man."— Capt. M.]
Priv. Tedrow, Sylvester, ^b., Oct. 19, '64, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Tennant, Oliver, drafted, Nov. 21, '64, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Vanbuskirk, Isaac, drafted, Sept. 26, '64, tor 1 yr.; dis. June 28, '65.
Priv. Walls, Hezekiah, sub., Oct. 18, '64, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Walsh, Patrick H., sub., March 4, '65, for 1 yr.; dis. June 24, '65. [Re-
enlisted in Co. B, 3d U. S. Art'y.]
Priv. Walter, Daniel G., sub., Nov. 23, '64, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Wheeler, Anson, drafted, Nov. 11, '64, for 1 yr^ dis. on surg. cert. May
29, '65.
Priv. White, Thomas, drafted, Sept. 23, '63, for 3 yrs.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Wilson, George W., sub., Feb. 27, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Wizling, Casper, drafted, Norn 12, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. July 29, '65.
Priv. Wright, John, drafted, Sept. 21, '63, for 3 yrs.; deserted Oct 7, '63, from
Camp Rendezvous; retaken Aug., '64; assigned to co. Dec. 6, '64; tried
by court-martial; sentenced to 6 mos. hard labor; finding of court ap-
proved; sentence remitted ; soldier restored to duty ; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Zeigler, William P., sub., Feb. 27, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65;
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608 mSTORT OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
GOMPANT S, iniLLiaAN aUABDB.
Capt. William McConnell, 34 yrs., painter, West Chester; first entered service
as Ist sergt. Co. E, 9th P. V., April 22, '61; dis. July 29, '61; mus. Oct
2, '61, for 3 yrs.; resigned and hon. dis. at Hilton Head, S. C, April 28,
'64; died of hemorrhage of bowels at W^est Chester Aug. 14, '66, the
result of disease contracted in the service.
Capt. Samuel D. Smith, 28 yrs., butcher, Westtown; first entered service as
priv. in Co. B, 9th P. V., April 22, '61 ; dis July 29, '61 ; mus. Sept. 9,
'61, for 3 yrs.; ap. 2d sergt. Oct. 2, '61; pr. to 1st sergt. May 10, '63;
vet.; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Jan. 1, '64; wd. in action at Qreen
•Plains, Bermuda Hd., Ya., May 20, '64; pr. to 1st lieut. Dec. 6, '64;
again wd. in action at Fort Fisher, N. C, Jan. 15, '65; pr. to capt. May
1, '65; nius. out with co. at Weldon, N. C, Aug. 28, '65.
1st Lieut. John H. Babb, 29 yrs., shoemaker. West Chester; first entered service
as 2d lieut. in Co. G, 2d P. V., for 3 mos. April 20, '61; mus. Sept 24,
'61, for 3 yrs.; resigned and hon. dis. at Edisto, S. C., April 26, '62. [Re-
entered service as 2d lieut in Co. M., 181st P. V. (20th Pa. Cav.); dis.
with regt July 13. '65.]
1st Lieut John MoGrath, 29 yrs., carpenter. West Chester; first entered service
as priv. in Co. G, 2d P. Y., April 20, '61, for 3 mos.; mus. as 2d lieut
Oct 2, '61, for 3 yrs.; pr. to 1st lieut April 26, '62; mus. out at Chapin's
Farm, Ya., Nov. 10, '64, at exp. of term.
1st Lieut John C. Nicholson, 22 yrs.,oc. and res. unknowA; mus. Oct. 2, '61, for 3
yrs.; no date of pr. to sergt.; wd. on picket at James Island, S. C, June
12, '62; veL; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; pr. to 1st lieut
May 1, '65; mus. out with co. Aug. 28, '65.
2d Lieut John McNamee, 21 yrs., stone mason. West Cheater; first entered
service as priv. in Co. A, 9th P. Y., April 22, '61; dis. July 29, '61; mus.
Sept 9, '61, for 3 yrs.; ap. 4th sergt Oct 2, '61; pr. to 2d lieut April 26,
'62; resigned and hon. dis. at Seabrook, S. C, May 9, '63. [Re-entered
service in U. S. Marine Corps.]
2d Lieut James Mc Williams, 24 yrs., moulder, Westchester; first entered ser-
vice as priv. in Co. G, 2d P. Y., April 20, '61, for 3 mos.; mus. Sept 9,
'61, for 3 yrs.; ap. 1st sergt. Oct 2, '61; pr. to 2d lieut May 10, '63; wd.
in action at Petersburg Mine, Ya., July 30, '64; mus. out at Chapin's
Farm, Ya., Nov. 3, '64, at exp. of term.
2d Lieut John Sullivan, 21 yrs., laborer. West Chester; first entered service as
priv. in Co. G, 2d P. Y., April 20, '61, for 3 mos.; mus. Sept 9, '61,
for 3 yrs.; ap. Ttl^ corp. Oct 2, '61; pr. to 4th *ergt Nov. 1, '63; vet,;
re-mus. March 1, '64, to date Jan. 1, '64; capt'd in action at Strawberry
Plains, Ya., Aug. 16, '64; pris'r until Dec. 24, '64; pr. to 1st sergt to
rank from Dec. 6, '64; pr. to 2d lieut. May 1, '65; mus. out with co.
at Weldon, N. C, Aug. 28, '65.
1st Sergt. Daniel Sullivan, 19 yrs., laborer, West Chester; mus. as priv. Sept 9^
'61, for 3 yrs.; wd. in action at James Island, S. C, June 10, '62; vet;
re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; pr. to corp. Sept 27, '64; pr.
to sergt. date unknown; pr. to 1st sergt May 1, '65; mus. out with co.
at Weldon, N. C, Aug. 28, '65.
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ROSTER AND RECORD OF SERVICE; COMPANY E. 509
Sergt. James Coughlin, 23 yrs., nurseryman, Chester Co., mus. Sept. 9, '61, for
3 jrs.; ap. 3d sergt. Oct. 2, '61; pr. to 2d sergt. May 10, '63; vet.; re-
mus. March 15, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; deserted from U. S. Hosp.,
Philadelphia, Feb. 23, '65.
Sergt. Patrick Carter, 2t yrs., cordwainer, West Chester; mus. Sept. 11, '61, for
3 yrs.; ap. 5th sergt Oct. 2, '61; pr. to 4th sergt. April 26, '62; pr. to
3d sergt. May 10, '63 ; dis. on surg. cert, at Morris Island, S. C, Sept.
13, '63.
Sergt. George L. Smith, 27 yrs., farmer, Westtown; mus. Sept. 23, '61, for 3
yrs.; ap. Ist corp. Oct. 2, '61 ; pr. to sergt. May 31, '62; w'd in action at
Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Ya., May 20, '64; dis. on acct. of wds. at
'Satterlee Hosp., Philadelphia, Nov. 28, '64.
Sergt. William H. Spicer, 20 yrs., tailor. West Chester; mus. as priv. Sept. 9,
'61, for 3 yrs.; ap. 8th corp. Oct. 2, '61; pf. to 7th corp. Nov. 6, '61; pr.
to 6th corp. Feb. 20, '62; pr. to 4th corp. June 25, 62; pr. to 5th sergt.
Nov. 1, '63; wd. in trenches near Petersburg, Ya., July 8, '64; dis. on
acct. of wds. at U. S. Hosp., Philadelphia, date unknown.
Sergt. Michael Rush, 42 yrs., laborer, West Chester; mus. Sept. 9, '61, for 3
yrs.; no date of ap. to corp. or sergt.; vet,; re-mus. March 15. '64, to date
Feb. 29, '64; mus. out with co. Aug. 28, '65. [Since died of coup-de
soleil, at Phoenixville, Pa., July 15, '68.]
Sergt. James A. Riley, 26 yrs., laborer; mus. as priv. Sept. 14, '61, for 3 yrs.;
no date of ap. to corp. or sergt.; vet; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Feb.
29, '64; wd. in action at Petersburg Mine, Ya., July 30, '64; mus. out.
with CO., Aug. 28, '65.
Sergt. John O'Brien, 20 yrs., painter, New York; mus. Sept. 15, '61, for 3 yrs.;
wd. in trenches at Morris Island, S. C, Sept. 5, '63; no date of pr. to
corp. or sergt.; vet; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date July 1, '64; mus. out
with CO. Aug. 28, '65.
Sergt. David Signet, 20 yrs., laborer, Charlestown; mus. as. priv. Sept. 30, '61,
for 3 yrs.; no date of pr. to corp.; vet; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date
Jan. 1, '64; pr. to sergt. Aug. 1, '65; mus. out with co. Aug. 28, '65.
Corp. Edward Corcoran, 35 yrs., farmer. East Bradford; mus. Sept. 21, »61, for
3 yrs.; ap. 2d corp. Oct. 2, '61; killed in action at Grimball's Plantation,
James Island, S. C, June 10, '62. [The first man killed in the regt; bu.
near where he fell.]
Corp. George Jenkins, 28 yrs., plasterer. West Chester; mus. Sept. 24, '61, for
3 yrs.; ap. 3d corp. Oct. 2, '61; tr. to ranks at his own request Feb. 28,
'62 ; re-ap. corp. Dec. 1, '62; vet; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Feb. 29,
'64; mus. out with co. Aug. 28, '65.
Corp. Bernhard McDermott, 27 yrs., laborer, West Chester; mus. Sept. 9, '61,
for 3 yrs.; ap. 4th corp. Oct. 2, '61; pr. to Ist corp. June 25, '62; vet;
re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; killed in action at Petersburg
Mine, Ya., July 30, '64.
Corp. William Glanding, 39 yrs., laborer, Chester Co.; mus. Sept. 9, '61, for 3
yrs.; ap. 5th corp. Oct. 2, '61; pr. to 2d corp. June 26, '62; wd. and
capt'd in action at Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Ya., May 20, '64; died
at Andersonville, Ga., Aug. 9, '64: grave 5,172.
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510 raSTORT OP THE NINBTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
Corp. James 0. Day, 23 yrs , laborer, Chester Co.; mas. Sept 23, *61, for 3 yra;
ap. 6th Corp. Oct. 2, '61; deserted from Camp 'Wayne, West Chester,
Oct 8, '61.
Corp. Thomas Cummins, 44 yrs., laborer. West Chester; mus. as priv. Oct 21,
'61, for 3 yrs.; pr. to corp. Juoe 25, '62; died of typhoid fever at ConTa-
lescent Camp, St Helena Island, S. C, July 29, '63.
Corp. William Egan, 43 yrs., baker, res. unknown; mus. as priv. Sept 9, '61,
for 3 yrs., pr. to corp. June 26, '62; dis. by circular 36, War Dept, from
U. S. Hosp., supposed Camp Taylor, Va., Sept. 9, '64, at exp. of term.
Corp. Thomas Forsythe, 34 yrs., laborer. West Chester; mus. as priv. Oct 26,
'61, for 3 yrs.; ap. corp. about Nov. 1, '63, and det with color guard;
mus. out Oct. 25, '64, at exp. of term. [Died at home.]
Corp. Jeremiah Henqesey, 37 yrs., carpenter, West Chester; mus. as priv. Oct.
21, '61, for 3 yrs.; ap. corp. about Nov. 1, '63; mus. out Oct 21, '64, at
exp. of term.
Corp. Joseph Little, 21 yrs., farmer, Goshen; mus. as priv. Sept. 9, '61, for 3
yrs.; wd. on picket skirmish, James Island, S. C, June 12, '62; pr. to
corp. about Nov. 1, '63; veL; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Jan. 1, '64;
reduced to ranks July 9, '64 ; deserted while on picket at Deep Bottom,
• Va., Aug. 21, '64.
Corp. Francis Carter, 20 yrs., laborer, West Chester; rec't; mus. as priv. Nov.
23, '61, for 3 yrs.; joined co. Feb. 1, '62; veL; re-mus. March 15, '64, to
date Jan. 1, '64; capt'd in skirmish near Petersburg, Va., July 16, '64;
pris'r until Dec. 21, '64; paroled; died at Annapolis, Md., Dec. 30, '64.
Corp. Peter Steward, 26 yrs., laborer. West Bradford; mus. as priv. Sept 16,
'61, for 3 yrs.; no date of pr. to corp.; vet; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date
Jan. 1, '64; wd. in trenches near Petersburg, Va., July 27, 'B4; mus. out
with CO. Aug. 28, '65.
Corp. John Butler, 21 yrs., waiter, West Chester: mus. as priv. Sept 9, '61,
for 3 yrs.; no date of pr. to corp.; vet,; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date
Feb. 29, '64; mus. out with co. Aug. 28, '65.
Corp. William Gillen, 2.1 yrs., laborer. West Chester; mus. as priv. Sept 9, '61,
tor 3 yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; pr. to corp.
Aug. 1, '65; mus. out with co. Aug. 28, '65.
Corp. Charles Sharp, 33 yrs., laborer, Washington, D. C; rec't ; mus. as priv.
Dec. 26, '61, for 3 yrs.; joined co. Feb. 16, '62; pr. to corp. June 25, '62;
reduced to ranks; date not given ^ dis. to date Feb. 15, '65. [Was pre-
viously in U. S. service.]
Musician Hugh O'Donnell, Jr., 14 yrs., musician. West Chester; mus., Oct 2,
'61. for 3 yrs.; died of yellow fever at Hilton Head, S. C, Oct. 24, '62.
Musician Charles Riley, Jr., 18 yrs., laborer, West Chester; mus. Oct. 2, '61,
for 3 yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; mus. out with
CO. Aug. 28, '65.
Teamster Jonathan Pine, 42 yrs., wagoner, Sadsburyville ; mus. Sept 28, '61,
for 3 yrs.; dis. on surg. cert at Hilton Head, S. C, Feb. 2, '63.
Priv. Allen, Alexander, 26 yrs., plumber, Chester Co.; mus. Sept. 20, '61, for 3
yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Jan. 1, '64; deserted while on
vet furlough May 23, '64.
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ROSTER AND RECORD OF SERVICE; COMPANY E. oll
Priv. Arters, Reese, 31* yrs., tailor, Sadsbury; mus. Sept. 11, '61, for 3 yrs; die.
on surg. cert, at Morris Island, S. C, July 26, '63.
Priv. BeU, Thomas, 40 yrs., pudler, Phoenixville; mus. Sept. 9, '61, for 3 yrs.;
dis. from U. S. Hosp., Oct. 21, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Bennett, John, 25 yrs., laborer, East Bradford; mus. Sept. 9, '61, for 3
yrs; mus. out Oct. 18, '64. at exp. of term.
Priv. Brown, Matthew, 27 yrs., laborer. Valley Forge; mus. Oct. 2, '61; for 3
yrs.; dis. on surg. cert, at New York Hosp. Nov. 26, '62.
Priv. Buros, William, 27 yrs., laborer, Lexington, Mass.; mus. Sept. 9, '61, for
3 yrs.; mus. out Sept. 8, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Carberry, Cormac, 25 yrs., laborer. West Chester; mus. Sept. 9, '61, for 3
yrs.; dis. from U. S. Hosp., Philadelphia, Sept. 26, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Carroll, Thomas, 28 yrs., laborer; mus. Oct. 3, '61, for 3 yrs.; dis. on surg.
cert, at Hilton Head, S. C, March 27, '63.
Priv. Chappie, Ovel, 36 yrs., watch maker. Valley Forge; mus. Oct. 2, '61, for 3
yrs.; died of chron. dysentery at Morris Island, S. C, Sept. 29, '63.
Priv. Collins, Patrick, 37 yrs., laborer, res. unknown; mus. Sept. 9, '61, for
3 yrs.; dis. on surg. cert, at Fernandina, Fla., April 10, '64.
Priv. Conner, Martin, 30 yrs.; laborer, West Chester; mus. Sept 16, '61, for 3
yrs.; dis. on surg. cert, at Hilton Head, S. C, Oct. 30, '62.
Priv. Conway, George, 21 yrs., farmer, Chester Co.; mus. Sept. 11, '61, for 3
yrs.; died of typhoid fever at Hilton Head, S. C, Nov. 18, '62.
Priv. Conway, John F,»41 yrs., laborer, Philadelphia; mus. Sept. 15, '61, for 3
yrs.; vet.; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; capt'd in action at
Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64; die J at Aadersooville,
Ga., June 30, '64.
Priv. Crawford, William, 37 yr.s., tailor, Philadelphia; mus. Sept. 9, '61, for 3
yrs.; ab. sick at De-Camp Hosp., David's Island, N. Y.; since May 30,
'64 ; dis. at that place Oct 21, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Cummins, Dominick, 25 yrs., laborer, West Chester; mus. Sept. 23, '61,
for 3 yrs.; mus. out Oct. 4, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Dallass, Thomas, 37 yrs., farmer, Penningtonville; mus. Oct. 10, '61, for 3
yjs.; dis. on surg. cert, at Fernandina, Fla., April 10, '64.
Priv. Davis, Peter, 22 yrs., laborer. West Chester; mus Sept. 16, '61, for 3 yrs.;
died of typhoid fever at Hilton Head, S. C, Aug. 12, '62.
Priv. Donnelly, Richard, 27 yrs., laborer. West Chester; mus. Sept. 23, '61, for
3 yrs.; mus, out Oct. 4, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Dougherty, James, 35 yrs., laborer, Chester Co.; mus. Sept. 23, '61, for 3
yrs.; dis. on surg. cert, at Hilton Head, S. C, Jan. 11, '62.
Priv. Dougherty, Peter, 35 yrs., laborer. West Chester; mus. Oct. 3, '61, for 3
yrs.; dis. on surg. cert, at Edisto Islaud, S. C, May 24, '62.
Priv. Duffy, Colom, 18 yrs., laborer. New Castle Co., Del.; mus. Oct. 2, '61, for
3 yrs.; capt'd in action at Strawberry Plains, Va., Aug. 16, '64; pris'r
until ^Dec. 19, '64; dis. at Camp Parole Dec. 2, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Duffy, Francis, 30 yrs., laborer, West Chester; mus. Sept. 16, '61, for 3
yrs.; deserted at Hilton Head, April 19, '63.
Priv. Dunlavy, Michael, 24 yrs., baker. West Chester; mus. Sept. 28, '61, for 3
yrs.; dis. on surg. cert, at Fernandina, Fla., April 10, '64.
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512 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
Priv. Finnessy, Richard. 32 yrs., laborer, West Chester; mus. Sept. 9, '61, for 3
yrs.; wd. in action at Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, ^64; died
of wds. at U. S. Hosp., Point Lookout, Md., June 14, '64.
Priv. Flannery, John, 25 yrs., laborer, Chester Co.; mus. Sept. 16, '61, for 3
yrs.; capt'd in action at Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64;
died at Andersonville, Ga., Oct. 16, '64, grave 11,026.
Priv. Gibbons, William, 27 yrs., shoemaker. West Chester; mus. Sept. 9, '61,
for 3 yrs.; killed in action at Wier Bottom Church, Bermuda Hd., Va.,
Aug. 25, '64.
Priv. Grant, Patrick. 23 yrs., laborer. West Chester; mus. Sept. 28, '61, for 3
yrs.; wd. in trenches at Morris Island, S. C, Sept. 5, '63; mus. out Oct
4, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Groce, George, 40 yrs., factoryman. Valley Creek; mus. Sept. 11, '61, for
3 yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; wd. in action at
Green Plains Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64; died of diarr. at Newbern,
N. C, June 2, '65; bu. in Nat. Cem., plot 1, grave 71.
Priv. Hall, Thomas, 26 yrs., laborer, Easttown; mus. Oct. 15, '61, for 3 yre.;
dis. on surg. cert, at Hilton Head, S. C, Oct. 30, '62.
Priv. Haney, Thomas, 18 yrs., farmer, Chester Co.; mus. Sept. 16, '61, for 3 yra;
dis. on surg. cert, at Hilton Head, S. C, Nov. 18, '62. [Re-entered 3 yrs.
service Dec. 28, '63, in Co. A, 20th Pa. Cav.; dis. with regt. July 2. 65.]
Priv. Haslam, Charles, 24 yrs., laborer, Charlestown; mus. Oct. 2, '61, for 3 yrs.;
wd. on picket at James Island,. S. C, June 12, '62; died of wds. in U. S<
Hosp., Hilton Head, S. C, July 8, '62.
Priv. Hill, Charles, 33 yrs., laborer, West Bradford; mus. Oct. 29, '61, for 3 yra;
mus. out Oct. 29, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Holt, Thomas, — , yrs., oc. and res. unknown; mus. Oct. 2, '61, for 3 yrs.;
veL; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Jan. 1, '64. [Name not on mus.-out
roll.]
Priv. Huggins, Josiah G., 39 yrs., cabinet maker. West Chester; mus. Sept 21,
'61, for 3 yrs.; died of yellow fever at Hilton Head, S. C, Nov. 1, '62.
Priv. Johnson, John, 36 yrs., laborer, Penningtonville ; mus. Sept. 11, '61, for 3
yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; mis. in action at
Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64; died at Andersonville,
Ga., Aug. 17, '64.
Priv. Johnston, Robert, 20 yrs., blacksmith, Delaware Co.; mus. Sept. 9, '61,
for 3 yrs.; dis. on surg. cert, at Fernandina, Fla., Dec. 9, '63.
Priv. Joyce, Patrick, 23 yrs., laborer, West Chester; mus. Oct. 2, '61, for 3 yra;
mus. out Oct. 4, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Kaver, James, 35 yrs.; laborer, Sadsburyville; mus. Nov. 8, '61, for 3 yrs.;
dis. on surg. cert, at Morris Island, S. C., July 26, '63.
Priv. Keefe, Patrick, 23 yrs., laborer, West Groshen ; mus. Sept. 9, '61, for 3
yrs.; died of congestive fever at Hilton Head, S. C, Jan. 21, '63.
Priv. Keelam, James, 25 yrs., boatman, Baltimore, Md.; mus. Sept. 18, '61, for
3 yrs.; mus. out Oct. 18, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Kickham, Thomas, 21 yrs., factoryman, Chester Co.; mus. Sept. 11, '61,
for 3 yrs.; dis. at Satterlee Hosp., Philadelphia, Sept. 12, '64, at exp. of
term.
Digitized by VjOOQIC .
ROSTER AND RECORD OF SERVICE; COMPANY E. 513
Pri?. Light, William' J., 19 yrs., farmer, res. unknown; mus. Sept. 16, '61, for 3
yrs.; mus. out Oct. 4, *64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Logan, William, 32 yrs., laborer, Sadsbury; mus. Sept. 16. '61, for 3 yrs.;
capt'd in action at Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64; died at
Anderson ville, Ga., Aug. IT, '64, grave 5,985.
?nv Lynch, Edward, 18 yrs., laborer, Fisberville; mus. Sept. 11, '61, for 3 yrs.;
capt'd in action at Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64; par.
Nov. 23, '64; died at Annapolis, Md., Nov. 29, '64.
Priv. McCabe, John, 24 yrs., laborer, Wilmington, Del.; mus. Sept. 18, '61, for 3
yrs.; accidentally shot and killed by sergt. of guard, in camp at Seabrook
Island, S. C. April 22, '63.
Priv. McCabe, Patrick, 28 yrs., laborer, Altoona, Blair Co.; mus. Sept. 9, '61, for
3 yrs.; dis. at U. S. Hosp., Philadelphia, Sept. 29, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. McCartney, Michael, 31 yrs., laborer, Frederick Co., Md.; mus. Sept. 9, '61,
for 3 yrs.; mus. out Oct. 4, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. McCormick, Michael, 23 yrs., saddler, Philadelphia; mus. Sept. 23, '61, for
3 yrs.; dis, on surg. cert, at Hilton Head, S. C, Jan. 11, '62.,
Priv. McCue, Bernard, 27 yrs., laborer, Mauch Chunk, Carbon Co.; mus. Sept.
20, '61, for 3 yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; ab.
Kick at mus. out ; at U. S. Hosp. since May 12, '64. [Since re-entered
U. S. service as priv. in 2d U. S. Infty ; reported killed by Indians.]
Priv. McDermott, James, 30 yrs., laborer, Chester Co.; mus. Sept. 18, '61, for 3
yrs.; deserted at Camp Wayne Sept. 20, '61.
Priv. McDonald, Peter, 22 yrs., laborer, Goshen; mus. Oct. 12, '61, for 3 yrs.;
died of typhoid fever at Hilton Head, S. C.» Oct. 25, '62.
Priv. McGinley, Charles, 42 yrs., laborer, Lebanon Valley; mus. Sept. 16, '61,
for 3 yrs.; dis. on surg. cert, at Hilton Head, S. C, Feb. 10, '63.
Priv. McHale, Thomas P., 25 yrs., laborer. West Chester; mus. Sept. 9, '61, for
3 yrs.; died of yellow fever at Hilton ^ead, S. C, Oct. 21, '62.
Priv. McNulty, Francis, 25 yrs., laborer, Chester Co.; mus. Sept. 18, '61, for 3
yrs.; deserted at Camp Wayne Sept. 20, '61.
Priv. Miles, Isaac, 44 yrs., laborer. West Chester; mus. Sept. 20, '61, for 3 yrs.;
vet.; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Morgan, David, 42 yrs., laborer. West Chester; mus. Oct. 21, '61, for 3
yrs., died of consumption at Fernandina, Fla., Feb. 26, '64.
Priv. Murphy, Patrick, 20 yrs., laborer, Valley Store ; mus. Sept. 24, '61, for 3
yrs.; died of consumption at Fernandina, Fla., Oct. 28, '63.
Priv. Nugent, Dennis, 22 yrs., laborer, Thornbury, Delaware Co.; mus. Oct. 7,
'61, for 3 yrs.; died of chron. diarr. at U. S. Hosp , New York, May 11, '63.
Priv. O'Brian, Patrick, 25 yrs., laborer. New York; mus. Sept. 18, '61, for 3
yrs.; deserted at Camp Wayne Sept. 20, '61.
Priv. O'Conner, Michael, 25 yrs., laborer. West Chester; mi^s. Oct. t, '61, for 3
yrs.; mus. out Oct 19, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. O'Donnell, Hugh, Sr., 43 yrs., wheelwright. West Chester; mus. Oct. 2, '61,
for 3 yrs.; died of yellow or congestive fever on board hosp. boat Cos-
mopolitan, at Hilton Head, S. C, Oct. 26, '62.
Priv. O'Neil, James, 39 yrs., laborer, Chester Co.; mus. Sept. 18, '61, for 3 yrs.;
deserted at Camp Wayne, Sept. 20, '61.
33
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514 HISTORY OP THE NINETT-SBVENTH REGIMENT.
Priv. O'Neil, Peter, 33 yrs., laborer, Philadelphia; mus. Sept. 28, '61, for 3 yre.;
died of typhoid fever at Port Royal, S. C, April 13, '62.
Priv. Quigley, Charles, 29 yrs., laborer, Chester Co.; mus. Oct. 26, '61, for 3 yrs.;
mus. out Nov. 21, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Riley, Charles, 30 yrs., laborer, West Chester; mus. Sept. 21, '61, for 3
yrs.; died of acute diarr. at Hilton Head, S. C, Aug. 13, '62.
Priv. Riley, James, 22 yrs., laborer, West Chester ; mus. Sept. 9, '61, for 3 yrs.;
wd. in action at Petersburg Mine, Va., July 30, '64, ab. since at De-Camp
Hosp., David's Island, N. Y.; dis. Jan. 6, '65, on acct. of wds. and exp.
of term.
Priv. Rodgers, John, 34 yrs., laborer. West Chester; mus. Sept. 18, '61, for 3
yrs.; mus. out Oct. 4, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Sherman, Robert, 30 yrs., baker, East Bradford ; mus. Sept. 9, '61, for 3
yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Jan. 1, '64; deserted while on
vet. furlough May 23, '64.
Priv. Skiffington, Patrick, 29 yrs., laborer, Ea^t Goshen; mus. Sept. 9, '61, for
3 yrs.; deserted at Camp Wavne Sept. 20, '61.
Priv. Still, John W., age, oc. and res. unknown; mus. Sept. 11, '61, for 3 yrs.;
mus. out Sept. 14, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv.-Walsh, Michael, 29 yrs, blacksmith. West Chester; mus. Sept. 9, '61, for
3 yrs.; mus. out Oct. 4, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Walsh, Walter, 40 yrs., laborer. West Brandywine; mus. Sept. 11, '61, for
3 yrs.; vet.; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; missing in action
at Green Plains. Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64; supposed to have died
a pris'r at Andersonville, Oa.
Priv. Wauls, James, 19 yrs., painter. West Chester; mus. Sept. 16, '61, for 3 yrs.;
mus. out Oct. 18, '64, at exp. of term.
Since joined — Drafted and Substitutes.
Corp. James Barrett, sub., Nov. 3^, '64, for 3 yrs.; no date of pr.; tr to Bat. E,
3d U. S. Arty., at Raleigh, N. C, June 27, '65.
Corp. James Goodwin, drafted, Sept. 20, '64, for 1 yr.; no date of pr.; dis. June
2, '65.
Corp. Charles Dugan, sub., March 3, '65, for 3 yrs.; deserted Aug. 2, '65.
Corp. James P. Mitchell, sub., Feb. 29, '64, for 2 yrs.; pr. to corp. date not given;
tr. to Bat. E, 3d U. S. Arty., June 27, '65.
Corp. William Seifert, sub., March 1, '65, for 1 yr.;«no date of pr.; mus. out Aug.
28, '65.
Corp. Michael Malone, sub., March 1, '65, for 3 yrs.; pr. to 6th corp. Aug. 2, '65;
mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Corp. Charles McDonald, sub., Nov. 22, '64, for 3 yrs.; pr. to 7th corp. Aug. 3.
'65; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Corp. Thomas Hughes, drafted, Sept. 23, '63, for 3 yrs.; pr. to 8tb corp. Aug. 4,
'65; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Adams, Charles, sub., Feb. 27, '65, for 3 yre.; deserted July 26, '65.
Priv. Adams, Emil, sub., March 1, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Adams, George, sub., Nov. 23, '64, for 3 yrs.; deserted May 17, '65.
Priv. Armstrong, Thomas, sub., March 3, '65, for 3 yrs.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Baker, Charles, drafted, Sept. 23, '63, for 3 yrs.; deserted Nov. 28, '63.
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ROSTER AND RECORD OF SERVICE; COMPANY E. 615
Priv. Beechert, Cornelius, sub., Marah 1, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Bellay, Joseph, sub., Feb. 27, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28. '65.
Priv. Berleft, Augustus, sub., March 4, '65, for 1 yx.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Bordeaux, Joseph, sub., March 2, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
P^iv. Bosler, William, sub., Oct. 26, '64, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Boulin, James, sub., March 2, '65, for 3 yrs.; mus. out Aug. 28, 65.
Priv. Boyer, Peter, sub., Feb. 28, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Brace, John, drafted, Sept. 24, '63, for 3 yrs.; tr. to 1st Regt. U. S. A.,
Aug. 5, '64.
Priv. BrowD, John, sub., March 2. '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Callender, Monroe, sub., Oct. 2, '64, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Carey, George, drafted, Sept. 25, '63, for 3 yrs.; dis. July 5, '65.
Priv. Carr, James, drafted, Sept. 30, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. June 29, '65.
Priv. Carroll, James, drafted, Sept. 23, '63, for 3 yrs; wd. in action at Foster's
Place, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 18, '64; ab. at mus. out at U. S. Hosp.,
David's Island, N. Y., on acct. of wds.; since May 18, '64.
Priv. Cosner, John; rec't; mus. Jan. 6, '65, for 1 yr.; dis. Aug. 16, '65.
Priv. Davis, William, drafted, Sept. 26, '63, for 3 yrs.; deserted Nov. 16, '63.
Priv. Detrich, Martin, drafted, Dec. 22, '64, for I yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Donovan, James, sub., Nov. 26, '64, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28. '65.
Priv. Dowd, James, sub., March 2, '65, for 3 yrs.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Eaton, Louis N., sub., Feb. 27, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Ellsworth. Chester, drafted, Sept. 29, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. June 29, '65.
Priv. Farrell, Patrick, sub., Feb. 24, '65, for 3 yrs.; deserted July 6, '65.
Priv. Feenery, Patrick, sub., Feb. 28, '65, for 1 yr.; dis. May 4, '65.
Priv. Fleming, William H., sub., Feb. 2t, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Ford, John; rec't; mus. Feb. 24, '65, for 1 yr.; joined co. March 14, '65 ;
mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Ford, William, drafted, Sept. 23, '63, for 3 yrs.; deserted Nov. 28, '63.
Priv. Freeman, John, drafted, Sept. 24, '64, for 3 yrs.; ab. sick at mus. out.
Priv. Gochnour, Andrew, sub., Feb. 28, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Gordon, Daniel W., sub., Feb. 28, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Graff, John, sub., March 1, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 23, '65.
Priv. Grant, Dennis; rec't; mus. Aug! 31, '64, for 1 yr.; wd. in action at Fort
Fisher, N. C, Jan. 15, '65; dis. for wds. June 29. '65.
Priv. Gray, Hiram, sub., March 1, '65, for 1 yr.; mns. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Greeo, Oscar, sub., Feb. 24, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Harris, James, sub., March 2, '65, for 3 yrs.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Harris, John H., sub., Nov. 19, '64, for 1 yr.; deserted July 26, '65.
Priv. Harrison, Jackson, sub., Feb. 28, '65. for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Hayes, James, drafted, Sept. 23, '63, for 3 yrs.; wd. in action at New Mar-
ket Heights, Va., Oct. 7, '64; ab. at mus. out on acct. of wds. in U. S.
Hosp. at Philadelphia:
Priv Hayes, James S., sub., Feb. 27, '65, for 3 yrs.; deserted Aug. 2, '65.
Priv. Henry, Patrick, sub., Feb. 28, '65. for 3 yrs.; dis. July 2, '65.
Priv. Hess, Martin, drafted, Dec. 23, '64, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Hilderbrant, Francis E., sub., Sept. 1. '64, for 1 yr.; dis. June 29, '65,
Priv. Hippie, Wesley, sub., Aug. 23, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. June 29, '65,
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516 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
Priv. Hollenback, James, sub., March 2, '65, for 1 yr.; mos. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Hoover, Andrew, sub., Feb. 27, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Irwin, William H., sub., Feb. 27, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug! 28, '65.
Priv. Judge, Nicholas, drafted, Sept. 26, '63, for 3 yrs.; ab. sick at mus. out
Priv. Karighan, John, sub., March 2, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Karons, John, sub., Feb. 28, '65, for 1 yr.; mu<». out Aug 28, '65.
Priv. Kelly, John, sub., Nov. 22, '64, for 1 yr.; capt'd in action at Strawberry
Plains, Va., Aug. 16, '64; par. March 3, '65; dis. June 6, '65.
Priv. Killian, John, drafted, Sept. 23, '63, for 3 yrs.; deserted Nov. 16, '63.
Priv. Killmer, George, sub., March 1, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Lamott, George, drafted, Sept. 23. '63, for 3 yrs.; deserted May 23, '64.
Priv. Lane, James, sub., Nov. 22, '64, for 3 y;s.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Logan, Ambrose, sub., Feb. 21, '65, for 1 yr.; died of chron. diarr. at
U. S. Hosp., Newbern, N. C, June 11, '65; bu. in Nat. Cem., Raleigh,
N. C, sec. 20, grave 20.
Priv. Low, George, sub., Oct. 15, '64, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv.Ludwig, Elbert, sub., March 1, '65, for 1 yr.; died of chron. diarr. at U. 8.
Hosp., New York, June 18, '65; bu. in Cypress Hill Cem., Long Island.
Priv. Lynch, John, sub., Feb. 22, '65, for 3 yrs.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Magee, Michael, sub., Nov. 23, '64, for 3 yrs.; dis. June 11, '65.
Priv. McBride, Patrick, sub., March 1, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. McCall, Michael; rec't; mus Aug. 31, '64. for 1 yr.; dis. June 29, '65.
Priv. McCracken, Levi, sub., March. 1, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. McCush, Alexander, sub., Sept. 23, '63. for 3 yrs.; capt'd in action at
Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64; died at Andersonville,
Ga., Nov. 8, '64.
Priv. McKay, Steward, drafted, Sept. 23, '63, for 3 yrs.; deserted July 14, '64.
Priv. McKernon, Patrick, sub., Feb. 29, '65, for 1 yr.; deserted May 8, '65.
Priv. McNinch, Henry, sub., Aug. 31, '64, for 1 yr.; wd. in action at Fort Fisher.
N. C, Jan. 15, '65; dis. June 29, '65.
Priv. McNunn, Edward, drafted. Sept 25, '63,. for 3 yrs.; deserted May 23, '64,
Priv. McPherson, Henry, sub., Oct. 3, '64, for 1 yr ; deserted Aug. 1, '65.
Priv. Moleten, Frederick, sub., March 4, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Morton, Andrew, drafted, Sept. 23; '63, for 3 yrs.; capt'd in action ai Green
Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64; ex. and rejoined co. Jan. 13, '65;
mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Moyer, John C. sub. March 3, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Phillips, George W., sub., Feb. 25, '65, for 1 yr.; died of diarr. at Raleigh,
N. C, May 7, '65; bu. in Nat. Cem., sec. 20, grave 32.
Priv. Reese, Henry, drafted, Sept. 30, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. June 29, '65.
Priv. Rice, Henry, sub., March 1, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Robinson, Henry, sub., March 3, '65, for 3 yrs.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Rodgers, Thomas J., sub., Feb. 28, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Rose, Thomas B., sub., Feb. 27, '66, for 3 yrs.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Rosney, John, sub., Nov. 23, '64, for 3 yrs.; ab. sick at mus. out.
Priv. Rugle, Reuben, sub., Feb. 28, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Rush, John M.; rec't; mus. Jan. 6, '65, for 1 yr.; dis. Aug. 2, '65.
Priv. Sands, Thomas, sub., March 1, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '66.
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ROSTER AND RECORD OF SERVICE; COMPANY E. 517
Priv. Saywer, AnthoDy, sub., March 2, '65, for I yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Scheetz,yJohn, sub., March 4, '66, for 1 yr.; dis. June 2, '65.
Priv. Scbygle, John, sub., Feb. 27, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Sharp, John, sub., March 3, '65, for 1 yr.; deserted July 29, '65.
Priv. Simes, Lewis, sub., Feb. 26, '65, for 3 yrs.; dis. July 15, '65.
Priv. Smith, William J., drafted, Sept. 23, '63, for 3 yrs.; wd. in action at Green
Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64; dis. June 7, '65.
Priv. Stewart, Barton, drafted, Sept. 24, '63, for 3 yrs.; deserted Nov. 16, '63.
Priv. Stocker, Noel, drafted, Sept. 26, '63, for 3 yrs.; capt'd in action at Green
Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64; par. April 5, '65; at Camp
Parole, Md., at mus. out.
Priv. Story, Samuel, drafted, Feb. 3, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. oat Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Stout, Samuel A., sub.. May 30, '64, for 1 yr.;' dis. June 29, '65.
Priv. Sutton, Reuben A., drafted, Sept. 30, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. June 29, '66.
Priv. Taylor, William M., drafted, Sept. 10, '63, for 3 yrs.; deserted Nov. 28, '63.
Priv. Thomas, John, drafted, Sept. 23, '63, for 3 yrs.; dieJl of dysentery at
Philadelphia, Nov. 22, '64.
Priv. Thompson, John, drafted, Sept. 24, '63, for 3 yrs.; mis. in action at Green
Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64; supposed to have died at Ander-
sonville, Ga., Nov. 8, '64.
Priv. Tierney, James, drafted, Oct. 21, '63, for 3 yrs.; deserted Nov. 16, '63.
Priv. Trout, Joseph W., sub., Oct. 28, '64, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65
Priv. Voglesory, John R., sub., Aug. 24, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. June 29, '65.
Priv. Wallace, William (Ist), drafted, Nov. 26, '64, for 3 yrs.; deserted Aug.
20, '64.
Priv. Wallace, William (2d), sub., Sept. 23, '63, for 3 yrs.; mus out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Walsh, Peter, drafted, Sept. 24, '63, for 3 yrs.; deserted Nov. 28, ''63.
Priv. Williams, John, drafted, Sept. 23, '63, for 3 yfs.; wd. in action at Peters-
burg Mine, Va., July 30, '64; tr. to Ist Vet. Res. Corps Aug. 5, '64.
Priv. Williams, John D., sub., March 2, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '^5.
Priv. Wilson, George, drafted, Sept. 23, '63, for 3 yrs.; deserted Nov. 16, '63.
Priv. Worthington, John, sub., Nov. 28, '64, for 3 yrs.; ab. sick at mus. out.
COMPANY P, NATIONAL GUARDS.
Capt. De Witt C. Lewis, 39 yrs., carpenter. West Chester; first entered service
as Ist lieut. Co. B, 9th P. V., April 22, '61; dis. July 29, '61; mus. Oct.
3, ^61, for 3 yrs.; wd. in action at Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May
20, '64; mus. out at Chapin's Farm, Va., Oct. 3, '64, at exp. of term.
[Pr. to brev. maj. and brev. lieut. col. U. S. V., March 13, '65; elected
sheriff of Chester Co. for 3 yrs., Oct. 8, '69.]
Capt John Wainwright, 22 yrs., coach painter. West Chester; served as priv.
in 2d P. V. for 3 mos.; mus. as priv. Sept. 23, '61, for 3 yrs.; ap. Ist
sergt. Oct. 3, '61; pr. to 2d lieut Jan. 10, '62; wd. in night attack on
James Island, S. C., June 12, '62; pr. to 1st lieut March 9, '63; com.
capt Nov. 1, '64; not mus.; ap. brev. capt. by order of War Dept, March
13, '65, and to brev. maj. same date for gallantry in com'd of regt at Fort
Fisher, N. C, Jan. 15, '65; pr. to lieut col. March 15, '65, to rank from
Jan. 15, '65.
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518 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
Capt. Lewis P. Malin, 26 yrs., carpenter, Sugartown; served as priv. id 2cI
P. V. for 3 mos.; mus. as priv. Sept. 23, '61, for 3 yrs.; vet.; re-mus.
March 15,^64, to date Feb. 29, '64; pr. to corp. May 1, '64; wd. io action
at Fort Gflmer, Va., Sept. 29, '64; pr. to sergt., date not known; again
wd. in action at Fort Fisher, N. C, Jan. 15, '65; pr. to capt. Feb. 28, '65;
mus. out with co. at Weldon, N. C, Aug. 28, '66.
Ist Lieut. Joseph T. Burnett, 26 yrs., cordwainer. West Chester; served as 2d
lieut. in Co. F, 9th P. V., for 3 mos.; mos. 1st Heut. Sept. 23, '61, for 3
yrs.; dis. on surg. cert, at Hilton Head, S. C, March 9, '63, by order of
Sec. of War. [Re-entered service for 3 yrs., March 8, '64, as priv. in
183d P. v.; dis. with regt. July 13, '65.]
Ist Lieut. Isaac J. Nichols, 21 yrs., blacksmith, Kimberton; mus. as priv. Sept.
23, '61, fur 3 yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 15, -64, to date Feb. 29, '64; pr.
to Corp. May 1, '64; wd. in action at Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va.,
May 20, '64; pr. to sergt. Oct. 10, '64; pr. to 1st lieut. Feb. 28, '65; mus.
out with CO. at Weldon, N. C , Aug. 28, '65.
2d Lieut. Oliver E. Strickland, 35 yrs., clerk. West Chester; first entered service
as priv. in Co. A, 9th P. V., April 22, '61; dis. July 29, '61; mus. as 2d
lieut. Oct. 3, '61, for 3 yrs.; res. at Hilton Head, S. C, Jan. 9, '62.
2d Lieut. Thomas Cosgriff, 22 yrs., blacksmith, West Chester; first entered ser-
vice as priv. in Co. G, 2d P. V., April 20, '61, for 3 mos.; mus. Sept. 23,
'61, for 3 yrs.; ap, 2d sergt. Oct. 3, '61 ; pr. to 1st sergt. Jan. 10, '62; pr.
to 2d lieut. March 9, '63; wd. in action at Fort Gilmer, Va., Sept. 29, '64;
again wd. in action at Darby Town Road, Vu., Oct. 27, '64; dis. on surg.
cert, on acct. of wds. at Fortress Monroe, Va., March 28, '65.
2d Lieut John E. Huntsman, 21 yrs., farmer, Coatesville; served as priv. in 9th
P.'^V. for 3 mos.; mus. Sept. 23, '61, for 3 yrs.; ap. 5th sergt. Oct. 3, '61;
vet.; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; wd. in action at Green
Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64; pr. to 2d sergt. Oct. 3, '64; pr.
1;o Ist sergt. Jan. 2, '65; pr. to 2d lieut. May 1, '65; mus. out with co. at
Weldon, N. C, Aug. 28, '65.
1st Sergt. Thomas B. Guest, 20 yrs., carpenter. West Chester; served as priv. in
9th P. V. for 3 mos.; mus. Sept. 23, '61, for 3 yrs.; ap. 4th sergt. Oct 3,
'61; pr. to 2d sergt Jan. 10, '62; pr. to 1st sergt March 10, '63; vet.; re-
mus. March 15, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; killed after action at Green
Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64; struck by a rebel shell in camp of
regt at Foster's Place, Va.
1st Sergt John Kennedy. 18 yrs., farmer, Coatesville; served as priv. in 9th
P. v., for 3 mos.; mus. Oct 3, '61, for 3 yrs.; ap. 3d sergt; pr. to 2d
sergt. June 10, '63; vet.; re-oius. March 15, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; pr.
to 1st sergt. May 21, '64; wd. in trenches near Petersburg, Va., July 10,
'64; dis. by S. 0..45, War Dept, A. G. O., Jan. 28, '65, at Washington.
1st Sergt, Thomas E. Brown, 20 yrs., blacksmith, West Chester; mus. as priv.
Sept. 23, '61, for 3 yrs., wd. in trenches on Morris Island, S. C, Aug.
21, '63; vet; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; again wd. in
action at Foster's Place, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 18, '64; pr. to corp.
May 21, '64; pr. to sergt. Jan. 15, '65 ; pr. to 1st sergt. July 19, '66; mus.
out with CO. Aug. 28, '65.
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ROSTER AND RECORD OF SERVICE; COMPANY P. 519
Sergt Lee A. Stroud, 24 yre., carpenter, West Chester; mas. Sept. 23, '61, for 3
yrs.; ap. 3d corp Oct. 3, '61; pr. to 4th sergt. March 1, '62; pr. to 3d
sergt. March 10, '63; pr. to 2d sergt. May 21, '64; mus. out Oct. 3, '64,
at exp. of term.
Sergt. Samuel Wynn, 2t yrs., farmer, East Nautmeal; mus. as priv. Sept. 23,
'61, for 3 yrs.; ap. 8th corp. Nov. 29, '61; pr. to 7th corp. Jan. 10, '62;
pr. to 6th corp. March 14, '62; pr. to 4th sergt. June 10, '63; pr. to 3d
sergt. May 21, '64; mus. out Oct. 3, '64, at exp. of term.
Sergt. Caleb Mercer, 24 yrs., carpenter, Coatesville; mus. Oct. 2, '61, for 3 yrs.;
ap. 8th Corp. Oct. 3. '61; pr. to Tth corp. Nov. 29, '61; pr. to 6th corp.
March 1, '62; pr. to 5th corp. March 14. '63; veL; re-mus. March 15, '64,
to date Feb. 29, '64; wd. in action at Green Plains, Burmuda Hd., Va.,
May 20, '64; pr. to 4th sergt. May 21, '64; pr. to com. sergt. July 19, '65.
Sergt. David Mock. 24 yrs., engineer, St. Mary's, Chester Co; mus. as priv.
Sept. 23, '61, for 3 yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 15. '64, to date Feb. 29, '64;
wd. in action at Fort Gilmer, Va., Sept. 29, '64; no date of pr. to corp.;
pr. to sergt. April 22, *65; mus. out with co, Aug. 28, '65.
Sergt. Herman P. Brower, 18 yrs., carpenter. Bast Vincent; mus. as priv. Sept.
30, '61, for 3 yrs.; wd. in action at James Island, S. C, June 12, '62; veL;
re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; again wd. in action at Green
Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64; no date of pr. to corp.; pr to
sergt. July 19, '65; mus. out with co. Aug. 28, '65.
Sergt. James P. Griflftth, 18 yrs., farmer, Lionville; mus. as priv. Oct. 17. '61,
for 3 yrs.; vet.; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; pr. to corp.
April 4, '66; pr. to sergt. July 19, '65; mus. out with co. Aug. 28, '65.
Sergt. Jackson Meharrey, 18 yrs., farmer, Christiana, Lancaster Co.; mus. as
priv. Oct. 9, '61, for 3 yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Feb. 29,
'64; pr. to corp. April 4, '65; no date of pr. to sergl.; mus. out with co.
Aug. 28, '65.
Corp. Thomas H. Short, 22 yrs., carpenter, Pughtown ; served as priv. in 9th
P. V. for 3 mos.; mus. Sept. 23, '61, for 3 yrs.; ap. 1st corp. Oct. 3, '61;
reduced to ranks by sentence of gen. court-martial at Hilton Head, S. C.
March 14, '63, G. 0. 24. [See record as private.]
Corp. James A. Fries, 25 yrs., stone mason, Pughtown; mtis. Sept. 23, '61, for
3 yrs.; ap. 2d corp. Oct. 3, '61; pr. to 1st corp. March 14, '63; vet; re-
mus. March 15, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; mortally wd. in action at Fos-
ter's Place, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 18, '64; died of wds. afU. S. Hosp.,
Hampton, Va., May 21, '64.
Corp. Edward Townsend, 18 yrs., cordwainer. West Chester; mus. Sept. 23, '61,
for 3 yrs.; ap. 4th corp. Oct. 3, '61; pr. to 3d corp. March 1, '62; pr. to
2d Corp. March 14, '63; pr. to 1st corp. May 22, '64 ; mus. out Oct. 3, '64,
at exp. of term.
Corp. James T. Terry, 31 yrs., carpenter, Oxford; mus. Sept. 23, '61, for 3 yrs.;
ap. 5th Corp. Oct. 3, '61; pr. to 4th corp. March 1, '62; pr. to 3d corp.
March 14, '63; vet; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; wd. in
action at Foster's Place, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 18, '64; pr. to 2d corp.
May 22, '64; killed in action at Strawberry Plains, Va., Aug. 16, '64.
[Left on the field ; was first reported mis. in action, supposed to be capt'd. J
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620 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
Corp. John Weber, 36 yrs., laborer, Oxford; mus. Sept. 23, ^61, for 3 yrs.; ap.
6th Corp. Oct. 3, '61 ; pr to 5th corp. March 1, '62 ; pr. to 4th corp. March
14, '63; vet.; re mus. March 16, '64, to date Jan. 1, '64; pr. to 3d corp.
May 22, '64; wd. in trenches near Petersburg, Va., July 8, '64; pr. to
pdncipal musician May 26, '65.
Corp. Joseph R. Richardson, 32 yrs., brick maker, Coatesville; mus. as pri?.
Oct. 10, '61, for 3 yrs.; pr. to 8th corp. Nov. 1, '62; pr. to Tth corp. March
1, '63; pr. to 6th corp. March 14, '63; dis. on surg. cert, at Pernandina,
Fla., April 10, '64. .
Corp. Jesse M. Boyles, 19 yrs., blacksmith, Edgemont; mus. as pri v. Sept. 23,
'61, for 3 yrs.; pr. to 7th corp. June 10, '63; vet; re-mus. March 15, '64,
to date Feb. 29, '64; pr. to 6th corp. April 10, '64; wd. in action at Fos-
ter's Place, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 18, '64; again wd. in action at Green
Plains, Bermuda Hd., Ya., May 20, '64; dis. on sutg. cert, on acct of
wds. at Newborn, N. C, July 10, '65.
Corp. John C. Smith, 22 yrs.; farmer, Sugartown; mus. as priv. Sept. 23, '61,
for 3 yrs.; pr. to 8th corp. June 10, '63; pr. to ttb corp. April 10, '64;
killed in action at Strawberry Plains, Va., Aug. 16, '64. [First reported
mis. in action.]
Corp. John H. Brower, 24 yrs., carpenter, East Vincent; mus. as priv. Sept-
30, '61, for 3 yrs.; no date of pr. to corp.; vet; re-mus. March 15, '64, to
date Feb. 29, '64; no date of pr. to sergt; pr. to qr.-mr. sergt. Jan. 1, '66.
Corp. Josiah G. Garrett, 24 yrs., carpenter, Howellville ; mus. as priv. Sept. 23,
'61, for 3 yrs.; vet.; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Jan. 1, '64; wd. in ac-
tion at Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64; again wd. in action
at Darby Town Road, Va., Oct. 27, '64; pr. to corp. April 4, '65; mus.
out with CO. Aug. 28, '65.
Corp. Thomas Ray, 20 yrs., miner, St. Mary's; mus. as priv. Sept. 23, '61, for 3
yrs.; vet.; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; wd. and capt'd in
action at Strawberry Plains, Va., Aug. 16, '64; par. and ex; rejoined
regt. April 18, '65 ; pr. to corp. July 20, '65 ; mus. out with co. Aug. 28, '65.
Corp. Amos Divine, 18 yrs., farmer, Christiana, Lancaster Co.; mus. as priv.
Oct. 9, '61, for 3 yrs.; vet.; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64;
pr. to 8th corp. Aug. 1, 65; mus. out with co., Aug. 28, '65.
Musician Thomas St. John, 15 yrs., minor, Philadelphia; Sept. 23, '61, for 3 yrs.;
mus. out Oct. 3, '64, at exp. of term.
Musician Isiac F. Faro. 17 yrs., sailor, Philadelphia; mug. Sept. 23, '61, for 3
yrs.; mus. out Oct. 3, '64, at exp. of term.
Musician Jesse White, 19 yrs., blacksmith, Sugartown; mus. as priv. Sept. 23,
'61, for 3 yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; wd. in
action at Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64; ap. musician
Oct. 3, '64 ; mus. out with co. Aug. 28, '65.
Teamster James D. Roberts, 28 yrs., wagoner, Coatesville; mus. Sept. 21, '61,
for 3 JT8.', ap. teamster Oct. 3, '61; mus. out Oct. 3, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Abel, Theodore, 20 yrs., blacksmith. West Chester; mus. Sept 23, '61, for
3 yrs.; wd. in action at James Island, S. C, June 10, '62 > dis. on surg.
cert. July 28, '62. [Re-entered service July 19, '64, in Co. P, 129th
P. v.; dis. with regt. Nov. 11, '64.]
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ROSTER AND RECORD OP SERVICE; COMPANY F. 621
Priv. Booth, Nathaniel 23 yrs., sailor, Booth's Corner; mus. Oct. 1, *61, for 3
yrs.; mus. out Oct. 3, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Brown, Joseph, 22 yrs., sailor, Philadelphia; mus. Sept. 26, '61, for 3 yrs.;
veL; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; deserted while on vet.
furlough May 16, '64.
Priv. Carey, Joshua, 43 yrs., hatter, Marshalton; served as priv. 5 yrs. in
U. S. Marine service; mus. Sept. 26, '61, for 3 yrs.; vet; re-mus. March
15, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; killed in action at Petersburg Mine, Ya.,
July 30, '64. [He was also a veteran of the Florida and Mexican Wars,
a model soldier in all respects.]
Priv. Collins, Ebenezer D., 19 yrs., cordwaiuer, Oxford; mus. Sept. 23, '61, for
3 yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Jan. 1, '64; wd. in action at
Foster's Place, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 18, '64; killed in action at Green
Plains, Bermuda Hd., Vaf.. May 20, '64.
Priv. Cook, George W., 18 yrs., butcher. West Haverford, Pa.; mus. Sept. 23,
'61, for 3 yrs.; killed in trenches near Fort Wagner, Morris Island, S. C,
Sept. 3, '63.
Priv. Devon, William. 26 yrs., blacksmith, Philadelphia; mus. Oct. 1, '61, for 3
yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; deserted at Cold
Harbor, Va., June 5, '64.
Priv. Diffendarfer, Lewis, 19 yrs., farmer, Pughtown, mus. Oct. 2, '61, for 3 yrs.;
vet; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; wd. in action at Green
Plains, Bermuda Hd., Ya., May 20, '64; ab. ac mus. out at U. S. Hosp.
on acct. of wds.
Priv. Edminston, James, 30 yrs., tailor, Ooatesville, mus. Oct. 3, '61, for 3 yrs.;
mus. out Oct. 3, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Edwards, John W., 18 yrs.; farmer, Hayesville, mus. Sept. 23, '^1, for 3
yrs.; wd. in action at Petersburg Heights, Va., June 15, '64; mus. out
Oct. 3, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Estworthy, Thomas T., 34 yrs., cordwainer. West Chester; mua. Sept. 23,
'61, for 3 yrs.; dis. on surg. cert, by post surgeon at Fortress Monroe, Va.,
Dec. 8, '61. [Afterward entered emergency service in Pennsylvania.]
Priv. Ferrell, Daniel W., 18 yrs., blacksmith. West Chester; served as priv.
in 2d P. V. for 3 mos.; mus. Sept. 23, '61, for 3 yrs.; ap. 7th corp. Oct.
3, '61; refused to serve as corp. and tr. to ranks Nov. 29, '61; vet; re-
mus. March 15, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; killed in action near Darby
Town Road, Va., Oct. 27, '64.
Priv. Garvis, John, 21 yrs., farmer, Compassville; mus. Sept. 30, '61, for 3 yrs.;
tr. to Vet. Res. Corps, July 27, '63, G. 0. 235, A. G. O.
Priv. Gatchel, David K, 20 yrs., carpenter, Oxford; mus. Sept. 23, '61, for 3
yrs.; mus. out Oct. 3, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Graham, James D., 22 yrs., farmer, St. Peter's; mus. Sept. 30, '61, for 3
yrs.; wd. in action at Greeq Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64;
mus. out Oct. 3, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Guest, Gteorge W., 18 yrs., farmer. Upper Uwchland; mus. Oct. 9, '61, for
3 yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; capt'd in action at
Strawberry Plains, Va., Aug. 16, '64; died in prison at Richmond, Va.,
Feb. 28, '65.
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HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
Greenfield, Milton, 40 yrs., blacksmith, Kennett Square; mus. Sept. 23,
'61, for 3 yrs.; died of chron. diarr., at U. S. Hosp., Hilton Head, S. C,
Oct. 11, '63.
Haas, Frederick, 28 yrs., farmer, Guthrieville; mus. Sept. 30, '61, for 3
yrs.; mus. out Oct. 3, '64, at exp. of term.
Hagley, John, 36 yrs., baker, Oxford; mus. Sept. 23, '61, for 3 yrs.; mus.
out Oct. 3, '64, at exp. of term.
Haines, Franklin, 28 yrs., machinist, West Chester; mus: Oct. 10, '61, for
3 yrs.; died of chron. diarr., at West Chester, Sept. 14, '64.
Hale, Hugh, 28 yrs., foundryman, West Chester; served as priv. in 9th
P. v., for 3 mos.; mus. Oct 15, '61, for 3 yrs.; wd. in action (ankle dis-
located), at James Island, S. C.,* June 10, '62; dis. from Camp Discharge,
Philadelphia, Oct 15, ^64, at exp. of term.
Hall, John, 42 yrs., farm laborer. West Chester; mus. Oct. 10, '61, for 3
yrs.; dis. on surg. cert, at Fernandina, Fla., Dec. 28, '63.
Huntsman, Thomas C; rec't; mus. Dec. 29, '63, for 3 yrs.; joined co.
May 1, '64; wd. in action at Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20,
'64; died of wds. at TJ. S. Hosp., New York, Aug. 9, '64; bu. in Cypress
Hill Cem., L. I.
Ingram, Alban D., 22 yrs. machin»st, Philadelphia; mus. Oct. 2, '61, for
3 yrs.; mus. out Oct. 3, '64, at exp. of term.
Jackson, William C, 20 yrs , wheelwright, Sugartown; mus. Sept. 23, '61,
for 3 yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; wd. in action
at Foster's Place, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 18, '64; died of wds. Sept.
18, '64.
Keeley, John W., 18 yrs., farmer. West Vincent; mus. Sept. 23, '61, for 3
yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; capt'd in action at
Strawberry Plains, Va., Aug. 16, '64; par. March 3, '65; ex. April 18,
'65; dis. at Philadelphia, per order 77, War Dept., A. G. O.
Kerr, Jacob, 18 yrs., farmer, Rockville; mus. Sept. 30, '61, for 3 yrs.; dis.
on surg. cert. Oct. 12, '63, at TJ. S. Hosp., Hilton Head, S. C; died at
same place of chron. diarr. Oct. 27, '63.
Massey, Joseph, 18 yrs., farmer, Milltown; mus. Sept. 23, '61. for 3 yrs.;
vet.; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; wd. in trenches near
Fort Anderson, N. C, Feb. 1, '65; dis, on surg. cert, on acct. of wds. at
U. S. Hosp., Philadelphia, May 19, '65.
Maxton, Hunter, 18 yrs., blacksmith, Uwchland; mus. Oct. 8, '61, for 3 yrs.;
died of congestive fever at Hilton Head, S. C, Jan. 25, '62.
Maxton, James H., 36 yrs., pudler, Pughtown; mus. Sept. 23, '61, for 3
yrs.; mus. out Oct. 3, '64, at exp. of term.
McAffee, Davis, 19 yrs., farmer. West Vincent; mus. Oct. 3, '61, for 3 yrs.;
vet.; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; wd. in action at Green
Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64 ; dis. on surg. cert, on acct. of
wds. at U. S. Hosp., Newborn, N. C, June 10, '65.
McCluen, James, 18 yrs., farmer, Milltown; mus. Sept. 23, '61, for 3
yrs.; vet.; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; wd. in action at
Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64; died of wds. at Hammond
Hosp., Point Lookout, Md., June 14, '64.
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ROSTER AND RECORD OF SERVICE; COMPANY F. 523
Ptiv. McCartney, Abner, 21 jrs., news agent, West Chester; mus. Sef
for 3 yrs.- died of yellow fever at Hilton Head, S. C, Nov. 18,
Priv. Meeteer, William T., 19 yrs., paper maker, Coatesville; mus. Oc
for 3 yrs.; vet.; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; dis
Hosp. by G. 0., July 19, '66; ab. sick frf>m May 10, '65.
Priv. Milborne, Mark, 40 yrs., paper maker, West Chester; served e
9th P. y. for 3 mo8.; mus. Oct. 8, '61, for 3 yrs.; mus. out Oct.
exp. of term.
Priv. Mimm, William, 25 yrs., farmer. Gap, Lancaster Co.; mus. Sep
for 3 yrs.; mus. out Oct. 3, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Mock, Jesse, 27 yrs , miner, Caernarvon. Berks Co.; mus. Sept. 2
3 yrs.; dis. on surg. cert, at St, Helena, S. C, Jan. 12, '63.
Priv. Navrn, John. 18 yrs., blacksmith, Sadsbury; mus. Oct. 8, '61, f
killed in action at Strawberry Plains, Va., Aug. 16, '64.
Priv. Opperman, John, 27 yrs., cradle maker, Lionville; mus. Oct. 15,
yrs.; dis. on surg. cert, at Portress Monroe, Va., Dec 8, '61.
Priv. Peoples, James, 35 yrs., farmer, Lionville; mus. Oct. 17, '61, f
vet.; remus. March 16, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; killed in actioD
Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64.
Priv. Perry, David C, 32 yrs., forgeman, Pughtown; mus. Oct. 1, '61,
mus. out Oct. 3, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Pharoah, Evans, 18 yrs., mason, West Chester; mus. Sept. 23,
yrs.; vet.; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; wd. in
Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64; tr. to Co. G, 1
Vet. Res. Corps. [Dis. Aug. §8, '65.]
Priv. Pierce, Enos W., 20 yrs., carpenter. Booth's Corner; mus. Oct.
3 yrs.; vet.; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; killed
at Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64.
Priv. Quigg, John, 18 yrs., farmer, Phoenixville ; mos. Sept. 30, '61, i
vet.; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; killed in
Petersburg Mine, Va., July 30, '64. [Left on the field.]
Priv. Reedy, Jacob, 18 yrs., farmer. East Nantmeal; mus. Oct. 1, '61,
vet.; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; killed in
Green Plains. Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64.
Priv. Reynolds, Eli, 22 yrs.; farmer, St. Mary's; mus. Sept. 26, '61, f
mus. out Oct. 3, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Roatch, Lewis A.. 20 yrs., engineer, Barren Hill; mus. Sept. 30,
yrs.; mos. out Oct. 3, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Roberts, William M., 20 yrs., farmer, Pughtown; mus. Sept. 23,
yrs.; dis. on surg. cert, at Hilton Head, S. C, Nov. 18, '62.
Priv. Rogan, Michael, 21 yrs., boatman, Coatesville; served as prii
Ohio for 3 mos.; mus. Oct. 3, '61, for 3 yrs.; vet,; re-mus. Man
to date Feb. 29, '64; killed while on picket near Petersburg,
28, '64; bu. in Nat. Cem., City Point, Va., sec. D, div. 4, grave
Priv. Schuler, Alonzo. 21 yrs., auger maker, Philadelphia; mus. Sep
for 3 yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Jan. 1, '64; capt'd
at Strawberry Plains, Va., Aug. 16, '64; par. March 3, '65; ex.
'65; dis. July 20, '65, by order War Dept. n, A. G. O,
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524 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
Priv. Scott, Samuel G., 18 yrs., farmer, Bdgemont, Delaware Co.; mua. Sept. 23,
'61, for 3 yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; wd. in
action at Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64; ab. at mus. out
on acct. of wds.; in U. S. Hosp. since May 20, '64.
Priv. Shannon,* William C, 30 yrs., carpenter, West Chester; mus. Sept. 23, '61,
for 3 yrs.; died of typhoid fever at Morris Island, S. C, Sept. 7, '63.
Priv. Shewey, Edward, 20 yrs., wheelwright. Union Forge, Lebanon Co.; mus.
Sept. 23, '61, for 3 yrs.; mus. out Oct. 3, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Short, John W., 19 yrs., farmer, Pughtown; mus. Sept. 23, '61, for 3 yrs.;
vet; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; deserted while on vet.
furlough May 16, '64.
Priv. Shon, Thomas H.; reduced to ranks from corp. March 14, '63; vet: re-
mus. March 15, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; ab. sick at mus. out in bosp.;
since June 23, '64 ; no dis. furnished.
Priv. Smith, Elias H., 18 yrs., farmer. East Nantmeal; mus. Sept. 23, '61, for 3
died yrs.; of typhoid fever, at Edisto Island, S. C, May 30, '62.
Priv. Springer, Wilson G., 20 yrs., farmer. East Bradford; mus. Sept. 23, '61, for
3 yrs.; dis. on writ of habeas corpus, at West Chester, by Hon, T.
Haines, pres. judge, Oct 10, '61, on acct. of minority.
Priv. Starr, James S., 38 yrs., machinist. West Chester; mus. Oct. 17, '61, for 3
yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; wd. in action at
Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64; tr. to Vet. Res. Corps, at
Philadelphia, Jan. 7, '65.
Priv. Stephens, Henry, 18 yrs., plasterer. East Nantmeal; mus. Sept. 30, '61, for
3 yrs.; died of congestive fever at Hilton Head., S. C, Jan. 7, 62.
Priv. Stevenson, Abraham, 18 yrl, farmer, West Chester; mus. Sept. 23, '61, for
3 yrs.; mus. out Oct. 3, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Stiteler, William E., 25 yrs., farmer, Kimberton; mus. Oct. 10, '61, for 3
yrs.; mus out Oct. 10, '64, at exp. cf term.
Priv. Thomas, Abraham, 22 yrs., farmer, Uwchland; mus. Oct. 3, '61, for 3 yrs.;
dis. on surg. cert, at Fernandina, Fla., April 10, '64.
Priv. Walker, John H., 19 yrs., blacksmith, Hayesville; mus. Sept. 23, '61, for 3
yrs.; mus. out Oct. 3, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Williams Robert M., 23 yrs., carpenter. West Chester; served as priv. in
2d P. V. 3 mos.; mus. Sept. 30, '61, for 3 yrs.; wd. in action at Peters-
burg Mine, Va., July 30, '64 . died of wds. at field hosp. Aug. 10, '64.
Priv. Williamson, Franklin, 18 yrs., engineer, West Chester; mus. Sept. 23, '61,
, for 3 yrs.; dis. on eurg. cert, at Edisto Island, S. C„ May 25, '62.
Priv. Wilson, John W., 42 yrs., farmer, Cain; mus. Oct. 3, '61, for 3 yrs., vet.;
re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; $30 stopped from pay for ap-
prehension as deserter; returned to duty without trial or loss of pay ; ab.
sick in gen. hosp. since Jan. 30, '65; no dis. furnished.
Priv. Winterbottom, John P., 33 yrs., tailor. West Chester; mus. Sept. 23, '61,
for 3 yrs.; dis. on surg. cert., at Hilton Head., S. C, Aug. 18, '62.
Priv. Wolf, George W., 29 yrs., blacksmith, Philadelphia; mus. Sept. 30, '61, for
3 yrs.; mus. out Oct. 3, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Woodward, Jesse, 44 yrs., carpenter. West Chester; mus. Sept. 23, '61, for
3 yrs.; died of bilious intermittent fever at Fernandina, Fla,, Oct 26, '63.
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ROSTER AND RECORD OF SERVICE; COMPANY F. 526
Priv. Wright, George B., 18 yre., carpenter, ChristiaDa, Lancaster Co.; mus. Oct.
10, '61, for 3 yrs.; killed in action at James Island, S. C, June 10, '62.
Since joined — Drafted and Substitutes.
Corp. George W. Ordaway, drafted, Sept. 30, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. June 28, '65.
Corp. Henry C. Reagan; rec't; mus. May 10, '64, for 3 yrs.; joined co. May 19,
'64; pr. to corp. April 22, '65; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Corp. Allen McGeclian, sub., Oct. 15, '63, for 3 yrs.; wd. in action at Fort Fisher,
N. C, J&n. 15, '65; pr. to 4th corp. July 20, '65; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Corp. Benjamin Stehman, sub., Oct. 16, '63, for 3 yrs.; pr. to 6th corp. July 20,
'65; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Corp. Thomas K. McClure, drafted, Oct. 20, '64, for 1 yr.; pr. to 7th corp. July
20, '65; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Corp. Elias Minich, sub., Oct. 21, '64, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Musician John Sil vert home, sub., Sept. 25, '63, for 3 yrs.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Applegate, Charles, sub., Nov. 21, '64, for 8 yrs.; deserted March 14, '65 ;
arrested May 14, '65; sentenced by gen. court-martial to confinement at
hard labor for 2 mos.; forfeit all pay due from March 14 to May 14, '65;
G. O. 13, 2d div., 10th corps, dated June 3, '65.
Priv. Anderson, John, sub., Oct. 15, '63, for 3 yrs,; deserted June 5, '64.
Priv. Atherton, William D., drafted, Sept. 30, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. Juno 2T, '65.
Priv. Baker, Michael N., sub., Feb. 28, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Bannan, Patrick, sub., March 1, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Barnes, Robert P.; rec't; mus. May 10, '64, for 3 yrs.; joined co. May 19,
'64 ; wd. in action at .Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64; mus
out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Beck, John, sub., Feb. 24, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Benjamin, Francis O. R., sub., Oct. 14, '63, for 3 yrs.; wd. in action at
Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Ya., May 20, '64; died of chron. diarr. at
Hampton, Va., Aug. 23, '64.
Priv. Bills, Philo, drafted, Oct. 3, '64, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Bourke, John, sub., March 2, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Bradford, William H., sub., Oct 27, '64, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Brown, Thomas, sub., March 1, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Bruce, «James, sub., Nov. 3, '63, for 3 yrs.; ab. sick at mus. out.
Priv. Bryer, James, sub., Aug. 26, '64, for 3 yrs.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Burhn, Henry, sub., Feb. 25, '65, for 3 yrs.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Cassidy, Peter, sub., Oct. 19, '63, for 3 yrs.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Christian, James, drafted, Nov. 11, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. Aug. 16, '65.
Priv. Crandall, Gteorge R., sub., March 3, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Daur, Jacob, sub., Oct. 1. '(*^3, for 3 yrs.; killed in action at Strawberry
Plains, Va., Aug. 16, '64.
Priv. Eckert, Henry, sub., Oct. 19, '63. for 3 yrs.; dis. June 10, '65.
Priv. Englehart, Charles, sub., Oct. 1, '64, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Evarts, John, drafted, Nov. 11, '64, for 1 yr; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Fisher, Wellington S.; rec't; mus. May 11, '64, for 3 yrs.; joined co. May
19, '64; killed in actipn at Cold Harbor, Va., June 4, '64.
Priv. Fisk, Edgar, sub., Feb. 26, '65, for I yr.; dis. July 5, '65.
Priv. Foster, Jeremiah, sub., Nov. 23, '64, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
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526 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
7. Forman, Cyrus, sub., Sept. 23, '63, for 3 yrs.; wd. in action at Green
Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64; dis. May 15, '65.
7. French, Clinton, sub., Feb. 25, '65, for 1 yr.; mtis. out Aug. 28, '65.
7. Frey, Joseph, sub., March 1, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
7. Gay, George D, sub., March 1, '65, for I yr.; dis. July 10, '65.
7. Gilchain, Philip, sub., March 1, '65, for 1 yr.; mas. out Aug. 28, '65.
r. Gillen, Nicholas, sub., March 3, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
7. Gorman, Malachi, drafted, Sept. 23, '63, for 3 yrs.; wd. in action at Foster's
Place, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 18, '64; again wd. in action at Green
Plains, Bermuda Hd., Ya., May 20, '64; ab. in hosp. at mus. out.
7. Grimes, Patrick, sub., Oct. 25, '64, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
7. Hall, Seth N., drafted, Oct. 3, '64, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
IT. Harper, William, drafted, Sept. 24, '63, for 3 yrs.; wd. and capt'd in action
at Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., IT a., May 20, '64; died of wds. while
a pris'r at Petersburg, Va., June 15, '64.
7. Hart, John, sub., Nov. 25, '64, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
7. Hayes, Patrick, sub., March 1, '65; for 1 yr.; dis. June 10, '65.
7. Hileman, John H., drafted, Sept. 30, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. June 28. '65.
7. Hixenbaugh, John, sub., Nov. 24, '64, for 1 yr.: mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
7. Hollinworth, Thomas, sub., March* 1, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
V. Huber, John, sub., March 2, '65, for 3 yrs.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
V. Jefts, George H., sub., Nov. 18, '64, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
7. Jones, George, sub., Nov. 17, '64, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
7. Leideritz, Edmund, sub., March 3, '65, for 1 yr.; dis. July 18, '65.
7. Lewis, William W., drafted, Sept. 30, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. June 28, '65.
7. Martin, Hugh, sub., Nov. 23, '64, for 1 yr.; wd. in action at Fort Fisher,
N. C, Jan. 15, '65 ; dis. May 30, '65.
7. Martin, Patrick, drafted, July 22, '64, for 3 yrs.; dis. May 17, '65.
7. Maybury, Isaac, sub., Oct. 21, '63, for 3 yrs.; dis. on surg. cert. Oct. 15, '64.
7. McWilliams, Moore, sub., March 3, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
7. Miller, Adolph, sob., Feb. 26, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
7. Malhall, James, sub., Feb. 28, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
7. Murphy, John, sub., Oct. 22, '64, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
7. Nelson, John A., drafted, Sept. 29, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. June 2«, '65.
7. O'Brine, John, sub., July 20, '63, for 3 yrs.; mis. in action at Drury's
Bluff, Va., May 14, '64; erroneously marked a deserter and dropped from
roll ; was found a pris'r at Wilmington, N. C, Feb. 22, '65; sent to Camp
Parole, Annapolis, Md., where he remained until mus. out.
7, Pete, Solon, drafted, Nov. 11, '64, for 1 yr.; died of typhoid fever at Point
of Rocks, Va., Jan. 8, '65 ; bu. in Nat. Cem., City Point, Va., sec. A,
div. 3, grave 86.
7. Pitt, John, sub , March 2, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
7, Pursuer, David G., drafted, Feb. 3, '65, for 1 yr.; mas. out Aug. 28, '65.
V. Reedy, Michael, drafted, July 9, '63, for 3 yrs.; wd. in action at Green
Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64; tr. to Vet. Res. Corps, Jan. 7, '65.
7. Regan, John, sub., Feb. 28, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
7. Richards, James O., sub., Nov. 23, '64, for I yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
7. Rogers, Henry, sub., Oct. 26, '64, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
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ROSTER AND RECORD OF SERYICB; COMPANY F. 627
Priv. Roght, -Abraham, sub., Feb. 21, '66, for 1 yr.; died at Sherman H<
mington, N. C, April 15, '65.
Priv. Sandford, Peter, sub., March 2, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '
Priv. Sassaman. Thomas; rec't; mus. May 10, '64, for 3 yrs.; joined co.
'64; wd. in action at Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Ya., May 20,
out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Schmidt, Jacob, sub., Feb. 28, '65, for 1 yr: mus. out Aug. 28, '6
Priv. Schrader, Charles, drafted, June 2, '64, for 3 yrs.; mus. out Aug.
Priv. Schutz, Elias L., sub., Feb. 25, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '(
Priv. Scott, James, sub., Nov. 23, '64, for 3 yrs.; dis. July II, '65.
Priv. Scott, William L.; rec't; mus. April 15, '64, for 3 yrs.; joined c<
'64; wd. near Petersburg, Ya., July 11, '64; mus. out Aug. 28,
Priv. Shafner, George, sub, Sept. 23, '63, for 3 yrs.; dis. Aug. 12, '64.
Priv. Skinner, Moses T., drafted, Nov. 11, '64, for 1 yr.; mus. out Au^
Priv. Slick, Adolph, sub., Feb. 28, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Smith, William J., sub., July 28, '63, for 3 yrs.; dis. Jiine 7, '65.
Priv. Soper, Francis W., drafted, Sept. 27, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. June 28, '
Priv. Stillwell, Samuel, drafted, July 13, '63, for 3 yrs.; refused to peri
tary duty; sentenced by court-martial in Feb., '64, to confinemer
Clinch, Fla., for 6 mos.; died of consumption at that place May \
Priv. Tierney, Stephen, Sept. 24, '63, for 3 yrs.; wd. in action at Gree
Bermuda Hd., Ya., May 20, '64; ab. at mus. out; since May 20,
Priv. Wallace, Jacob, sub., Nov. 2, '63, for 3 yrs.; ab. sick at mus. out.
Priv. Wamsher, Daniel, sub., Feb. 28, '65, for 1 yr.; died of chron. diar
hosp., Raleigh, N. C, Aug. 3, '65 ; bu. in Nat. Cem. sec. 20, gra^
Priv. Wannerwich, Philip, sub., Nov. 21, '64, for 3 yrs.; deserted Dec. ]
Priv. Webster, Josiah, drafted, Sept. 30, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. March 13, '
Priv. White, Albert H., sub. Feb. 24, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '
Priv. White, Milton H.; rec't; mus. April 18, '64, for 3 yrs.; joined C(
'64; killed in action at Foster's Place, Bermuda Hd., Ya., May ]
Priv. Wilson, Edward C, sub., Sept. 24, '63, for 3 yrs.; deserted May
Priv. Wingate, Henry; rec't; mus. Oct 27, '64, for 1 yr ; killed in
Fort Fisher, N. C, Jan. 15, '65.
Priv. Wolf, William, sub., March 4, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug^ 28, '6
» Priv. Woodsides, John; rec't; mus. Aug. 15, '64, for 1 yr; dis. June 2
COMPANY a, BROOMALL GUARDS.
Capt. Jesse L. Cummins, 22 yrs., law student, Media; served as pri
P. Y. in 3 mos. service; mus. Oct. 15, '61, for 3 yrs.; res. and
at Edisto Island, S. C, May 1. '62. [Re-entered service duri
gency June 20, '63, as priv. in Co. I, 29th Pa. Militia; mus.
regt. Aug. 1, '63; was subsequently drafted, but exempted; diec
of consumpton Dec. 31, '66.]
Capt. Lewis Y. Evans; pr. from 1st lieut. Co. A., 97th P. V., to dat<
'62; placed in com. of co. June 22, '62; res. Oct. 23, '62. [F
service during emergency June 20, '63, as 1st lieut. Co. D, 27tl
litia; muH. out with regt. Aug. 1, '63; again re-entered service
Co. M, 18l8t P. Y. (20th Pa. Cav.), Feb. 16, '64; mus. out Jun<
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628 HISTOKY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
Capt. Caleb Hoopes, 46 yrs., butcher, Upper Providence; first entered service as
Corp. Co. F, 4th P. V., for 3 mos. April 20^ '61, and pr. to 2d lieut.; mus.
as Ist lieut. Oct. 15, '61, for 3 yrs.; pr. to capt. Oct. 23, '62; mus. out Oct.
17, '64, at Chapin's Farm, Va., at exp. of term. [Elected sheriff of
Delaware Co., Pa., for 3 yrs. Oct. 9, '66.]
Capt. Washington W. James, 21 yrs., carpenter, Edgemont; mus. as priv. Nov.
15, '61, for 3 yrs.; veL; re-mus. March 15, '64, to date Jan. 1, '64;
no date of pr. to corp.; pr. to com. sergt. April 1, '65; pr. to capt
May 1, '65; mus. July 10, '65; mus. out with co. at Weldcm, N. C.,
Aug. 28, '65.
1st Lieut. Gasway O. Yarnall, 20 yrs., carpenter. Media; mus. Sept. 26, '61, for
3 yrs.; ap. let corp. Oct. 15, '61; pr. to 5th sergt. Jan. 1, '62; pr. to 4th
sergt. Sept. 4, '62; pr. to 1st lieut. Oct. 23, '62; wd. in action at Green
Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64; mus. out Oct. 14, '64, at Chapin's
Farm, Va., at exp. of term. [Since dis. was ap. a deputy provost marshal
7th Pa. Dis. (Chester and Delaware Counties); no date given.].
Ist Lient. Cheyney T. Haines, 19 yrs., miller, Chandlerville ; mus. as priv. Oct.
28, '61, for 3 yrs.; pr. to corp. Dec. 10, '63; vet; re.mus. March 16, '64,
to date Feb. 29, '64; wd. in action at Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va.,
May 20, '64; again wd. in action at Cemetery Hill, near Petersburg, Va.,
June 30, '64; pr. to sergt. maj. Sept. 18, '64; pr. to Ist lieut. Dec. 1, '64;
mortally wd. in action at Fort Fisher, N. C, Jan. 15, '65; died of wds. in
U. S. Hosp., New York, Jan. 27, '65. [Pr. to brev. capt. by order of
War Dept. to rank from March 13, '65.]
1st Lieut. Isaiah Bird, 21 yrs., farmer, Oxford; mus. as priv. Sept. 9*, '61, for 3
yrs.; pr. to corp. July 1, '63; vet.; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Feb.
29, '64; pr. to sergt. Sept. 20, '64; pr. to 1st sergt Oct. 26, '64; pr. to
1st lieut. May 1, '65; mus. May 26, '65; mus. out with co. at Weldon,
N. C, Aug. 28, '65.
2d Lieut. Joseph M. Borrell, 32 yrs., carpenter, Media; mus. Oct. 15, '61, for 3
yrs.; res. and hon. dis. at Hilton Head, S. C, Nov. 13, '62. [Re-entered
service Sept., '64, for 3 yrs., in 203d P. V.]
2d Lieut. William H. Eves, 35 yrs., merchant, Nether Providence; first entered
service as sergt. Co. I, 9th P. V., for 3 mos. April 22, '61; mus. Oct 3,
'61, for 3 yrs.; ap. 2d sergt. Oct 15, '61 ; pr. to 1st sergt. Sept. 4, '62; pr. ,
to 2d lieut. Nov. 13, '62; not mus. until July 1, '63; wd. in trenches, near
Petersburg, Va., July 10, '64; mus. out at Chapin's Farm, Va., Oct. 22,
'64, at exp. of term. [Elected treasurer of Delaware County, Pa., for 2
yrs. Oct. 12, '65.]
2d Lieut. Jeremiah Yoast, 21 yrs., butcher. Media; mus. as priv. Sept. 9,* '61, for
3 yrs.; vet.; re-mus. March 16,. '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; pr. to sergt. and
to Ist sergt., dates not known; pr. to 2d lieut. May 1, '65; mus. May 26,
'65; mus. out with co. at Weldon, N. C, Aug. 28, '65.
1st Sergt. Reuben H. Smith, 43 yrs., physician. Media; mus. Sept. 30, '61, for 3
yrs.; ap. Ist sergt. Oct. 15, '61; pr. to hosp. steward, Sept. 4, '62.
♦Where the star [*] appears in Companies Q, H and I, it indicates probable date of first
muster, the actual date being dropped from rolls at the re-muster of veterans.
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ROSTER AND RECORD OP SERVICE; COMPANY G
1st Sergt. William M. Colloum, 32 yrs., blacksmith, Media; mus.
for 3 yrs.; ap. 4th sergt. Oct. 15, '61; pj. to 3d sergt. Jan
2d sergt. Sept. 4, '62; pr. to 1st sergt. Nov. 13, '62; mu
'64, at exp. of term.
Ist Sergt. FraDklin P. Clopp, 18 yrs., laborer, West Philadelph
9,* 61, for 3 yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Fel
in action at Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '6
date unknown; pr. to 1st sergt. July 19, '65; ab. on fur
out. Aug. 28, '65.
Sergt. John C. Morton, 25 yrs., seaman, Chester; mus. Oct. 11, '
ap. 3d sergt. Oct. 15, '61; tr. to Co. I, 97th P. V., as serj
[See Co. I.]
Sergt. Thomas J. McMullin, 23 yrs., printer, Media; mos. Sept
yrs.; ap. 5th sergt. Oct. 15, '61; pr. to 4th sergt. Jan. 1,
sergt. Sept. 4, '62; pr. to 2d sergt. Nov. 13, '62; vet.; re-n
'64, to date Feb. 29, '64 ; dis. at U. S. Hosp., Hampton,
'65. [Died of consumption at his home, Dec. 5, '65.]
Sergt. Thomas J. Wade, 24 yrs., laborer. Upper Providence; mui
for 3 yrs.; ap. 3d corp. Oct. 15, '61; pr. to 2d corp. Jan. 1, '
corp. May 26, '62; pr. to 6th sergt. Sept. 4, '62; pr. to 3d s
'62; mus. out Oct. 1, '64, at exp. of term.
Sergt. Simon Litzenburg, 20 yrs!, carpenter. Media; mus. Sept.
yrs.; ap. Ttb corp. Oct. 15, '61; pr. to 5th corp. Jan. 1, '62;
Sept. 4, '62; pr. to 4th sergt. Nov. 13, '62; pr. to 3d sergt
wd. in action at Foster's Place, Bermuda Hd., Va., May
tally wd. in action at Petersburg Mine, Va., July 30, '64; d
field hosp. 18th corps, Aug. 1, '64; bu. in Nat. Cem., Cit
sec. D, div. 4, grave 174.
Sergt. Reese L. Weaver, 19 yrs., miller, Chester; mus. Oct. 11, '(
ap. 8th Corp. Oct. 15, '61; pr. to 6th corp. Jan. 1, '62; pr
Sept. 4, '62; pr. to 5th sergt. Nov. 13, '62; died at U. S
York, Oct. 12, '63; bu. in Cypress Hill Cem., L. I., grave 8
Sergt. Albin Edwards, 30 yrs., cordwainer, Middletown; mus. as \
'61, for 3 yrs.; pr. to 7th corp. Jan. 1, '62; pr. to 5th corp
pr. to 5th sergt. Oct. 15, '63; vet; re-mus. March 16, '64,
1, '64; killed in action at Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va.,
Sergt. Eli B. Grubb, 24 yrs., cabinet maker. Media; mus. as priv
for 3 yrs.; pr. to 8th corp. Jan. 1, '62; pr. to 6th corp. Sept.
4th corp. Nov. 13, '62; pr. to sergt. June 1, '64; mus. out
at exp. of term.
Sergt. David R. Cochran, 18 yrs., laborer, Media; mus. as priv. Se
3 yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; pr
Oct. 10, '64; wd. in action at Fort Fisher, N. C, Jan. 1
sergt. June 6, '65; pr. to qr.-mr. sergt. July 19, '65.
Sergt. John L. Ray, 18 yrs.; laborer. Media; mus. as priv. Sept.
yrs; vet; remus. March 16, '6i, to date Jan. 1, '64; wd
Cemetery Hill, near Petersburg, Va., June 30, '64; pr. to <
known; pr. to sergt. July 19, '65; mus. out with co., Aug. S
34
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) HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
jt. Charles E. Ottey, 18 yrs., painter, Media; mus. as priv. Sept. 9,* '61, for
3 yrs.; veL; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; pr. to corp. date
unknown; pr. to sergt. July 19, '6ft; mus. out with co. Aug. 28, '65.
?t. Charles Gray, 41 yrs., blacksmith, Chester; mus. Sept. 9,* '61, for 3 yrs.;
vet,' re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; pr. to sergt. July 19,
'65 ; ab. on furlough at mus. out.
^t. Thomas S. Dicker, 21 yrs., farmer, Marple; mus. as priv. Sept. 9,* '61,
for 3 yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, lo date Jan. 1, '64; pr. to corp.
date unknown; pr. to sergt. July 19, '65;' mus. out with co. Aug. 28, '65.
p. William N. Baker, 40 yrs., farmer, Middletown; mus. Sept. 26, '61, for 3
yrs.; ap. 2d corp. Oct. 15, '61; pr. to 1st corp. Jan. 1, '62; dis. on sorg.
cert, at Edisto Island, S. C, May 25, '62.
p. William H. Cox, 27 yrs., farmer, Wilmington, Del.; mus. Sept. 9, '61, for
3 yrs.; ap. 4th corp. Oct. 15, '61; pr. to 2d corp. Jan. 1, '62; pr. to 1st
corp. Sept. 4, '62; dis. on surg. cert, at Morris Island, S. C, Aug. 2t, '63.
p. Henry G. Yocum, 19 yrs., blacksmith, West Chester; mus. Sept. 9, '61,
for 3 yrs.; ap. 5th corp. Oct. 15, '61; died of measles at Portress Monroe,
Va., Dec. 8, '61.
p. Israel Oat, 42 yrs., coppersmith, Media; mus. Sept. 30, '61, for 3 yrs.; ap.
6th corp. Oct. 15, '61 ; pr. to 4th corp. Jan. 1, '62; died at Hilton Head,
S. C, Aug. 10, '62.
p. John Doyle, 19 yrs., farmer, Marple ; mus. as priv. Sept. 10, '61, for 3
yrs.; pr. to 8th corp. Sept. 5, '62; died at Hilton Head, S. C, Oct. 26, '63.
p. Hillary Fox, 24 yrs., farmer. West Chester; mus. as. priv. Sept. 16, '61,
for 3 yrs.; pr. to 8th corp. Dec. 5, '62; wd. in action at Green Plains,
Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64; mus. out Oct. IT, '64, at exp. of term,
p. Henry Hoofstitler, 24 yrs.; farmer, Springfield; mus. as priv. Sept. 30,
'61, for 3 yrs.; pr. to corp. date unknown; dis. on surg. cert, at Hilton
Head, S. C, March 3, '63; died on board steamer Arago in New York
Harbor, March 13, '63. [Bu. rec. says died March 17, '63.]
p. Patrick Hughes, 34 yrs., laborer. Media; mus. as. priv. Sept. 9,* '61, for
3 yrs.; pr. to corp. date unknown; vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date
Feb. 29, '64; killed in action at Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May
20, '64.
p. Thomas Dunn, 21 yrs., blacksmith. Media; mus. as priv. Sept. 9,* '61, for
3 yrs.; pr. to corp. date unknown; vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date
Feb. 29, '64; dis. at Richmond, Va., by G. O. 291, War Dept., Oct. 7. to
date Sept. 11, '65.
'p. John S. Culbert, 22 yrs., blacksmith, Chester; mus. as priv. Oct. 24, '61,
for 3 yrs.; pr. to corp. date unknown; mus. out Oct. 22, '64, at exp. of
term,
•p. Eli Dunlap, 25 yrs., laborer, Chandlerville; mus. as priv. Sept. 9,* '61,
for 3 yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Jan. 1, '64; pr. to corp.
July 19, '65; mus. out with co. Aug. 28, '65.
•p. Henry Hards, 23 yrs., laborer. Media; mus. as priv. Sept. 9,* '61, for 3
yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Jan. 1, '64; wd. in action at
Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64; pr. to corp. date unknown;
mus. out with co. Aug. 28, '65.
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ROSTER AND RECORD OP SERVICE; COMPANY G. 631
Corp. Joseph R. Parsons, 18 yrs., printer, Media; mus. as priv. Sept. 9,* '61,
for 3 yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Jan. 1, '64 ; pr. to corp.
date unknown; mus. out with co. Aog. 28, '65.
Corp. Ezekiel T. Richie, 26 yrs., seaman, Marple; mus. as priv. Sept. 9,* '61, for
3 yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Jan. 1, '64; wd. in action at
Foster's Place, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 18, '64; pr. to corp. date un-
known; ab. sick at mus. out; in U. S. Hosp. since May 15, '65.
Corp. John Edwards, 18 yrs., oc. unknown. Media; rec't; mus. as priv. Jan. 22
'63; joined co. Feb. 22, '63; wd. in action at Petersburg Mine, Va., July
30, '64; pr. to corp. July 19, '65; died at Weldon, N. C, Aug. 21, '65.
Corp. Patrick H. Harrigan, 24 yrs., oc. and res. unknown; rec't; mus. as priv.
Jan. 9, '63, for 3 yrs.; joined co. Feb. 26, '63; pr. to corp. July 19, '65;
mus. out with co. Aug. 28, '65.
Musician Jonathan S. Farra, 42 yrs., laborer, Springfield; mus. Sept. 9,* '61,
for 3 yrs.; ap. musician Oct. 15, '61; vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to
date Feb. 29, '64; mus. out with co. Aug. 28, '65. [Died at home April
n, '66.]
Musician George W. Ross, 14 yrs,, minor, Coatesville; mus. Sept. 9,* '61, for 3
yrs.; ap. mus. Oct. 15, '61; vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Jan. 1,
'64; dis. by G. O. at U. S. Hosp., Portsmouth Grove, R. I., Aug. 17, '65.
Teamster Enoch Dunlap, 44 yrs., pump maker, Coatesville; mus. Sept. 30, '61,
for 3 yrs.; dis. at Hilton Head, S. C, on surg. cert, (injury received on
James Island, S. C.) July 14, '62.
Priv. Baker, Nehemiah, 29 yrs., farmer, Edgemont; mus. Sept. 29, '61, for 3
yrs.; died of chron. diarr. at Fernandina, Fla., Jan. 8, '64.
Priv. Barr, George P., 20 yrs , farmer, Marple; mus. Sept. 23, '61, for 3 yrs.;
dis.; no record.
Priv. Chambers, Samuel B. F., 22 yrs., plasterer, Media; mus. Oct. 3, '61, for 3
yrs.; mus. out Oct. 14, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Coyle, William S., 36 yrs., blacksmith. Media; mus. Oct. 3, '61, for 3 yrs.;
mus out Oct. 14, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Device, William, 18 yrs., farmer, Cedar Hollow; mus. Oct. 7, '61, for 3
yrs.; dis. on writ of habeas corpus by Judge W. Wollerton, at West
Chester, Oct. 18, '61, on acct. of minority.
Priv. Dickson, John, 38 yrs., spinner. Media; mus. Oct. 9, '61, for 3 yrs.; died
of chron. diarr. at Hilton Head, S. C, Oct. 21, '62.
Priv. Fawkes, Edward, 41 yrs., farmer, Newtown; mus. Sept. 26, '61, for 3 yrs.;
dis. on surg. cert, at Fernandina, Fla., Dec. 9, '63.
Priv. Frame, Eber B., 41 yrs., farmer. Union ville; mus. Sept. 30, '61, for 3 yrs.;
mus. out Oct. 14, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Gardhouse, Joseph, 29 yrs., farmer. Media; mus. Sept. 9, '61, for 3 yrs.;
mus. out Oct. 1, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Green, Charles, 28 yrs., plasterer. Media; mus. Sept. 23, '61, for 3 yrs.;
died of congestive fever at Hilton Head, S. C, Feb. 7, '63.
Priv. Green, George, 21 yrs., farmer, Marple; mus. Sept. 9, '61, for 3 yrs.; died
of chron. diarr. at Hilton Head, S. C, Sept. 20, '62; bu. rec. Sept. 22, '62
Priv. Grindrod, James, 36 yrs., clerk, Avondale; mus. Oct. 10, '63; dis. at U. S.
Hosp., Beverly, N. J., Nov. 3, '64, at exp. of term.
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HISTORY OF THE KINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
itcher, Charles, 38 jrs., bricklayer, Upper Providence; mus. Sept. 26,
I, for 3 yrs.; dis. on surg. cert, at Hilton Head, S. C, Sept. 20, '62.
nderson, John H., 18 yrs., carter, Media; mus. Nov. 5, '61, for 3 yrs.;
'serted from Camp Wayne, West Chester, Nov. 5, '61.
nry, William, 21 yrs., farmer, Newtown; mus. Sept. 9,* 61, for 3 yrs.;
/.; re-mu8. March 16, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; mus. out Aug. 28, '65
)rkins, John G., 25 yrs., laborer, Chester Co.; rec't; mus. Oct. 22, '62,
r 3 yrs.; joined co. Dec. 25, '62; .wd. in action at Petersburg Mine, Va.,
ily 30, '64; mus. out with co. Aug. 28, '65.
rkins, W. L. Henderson, 22 yrs., laborer, Marple; mus. Sept. 9,* '61,
r 3 yrs.; vet.; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; wd inaction
Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64; died of chron. diarr. at
ilmington, N. C, March 9, '65.
ttkson, Thomas L., 23 yrs., laborer, Middletown; mus. Sept. 23, '61, for
yrs.; dis. on surg. cert, at U. S. Hosp. Dec. 10, '63.
opes, Isaac A., 19 yrs., farmer, Marple; mus. Sept. 9,* '61, for 3 yrs.;
l; r©-mus. March 16, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; killed in action at Green
lains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64.
tchinson, Ephraim, 24 yrs., engineer, Leiperville; mus. Sept. 16, '61, for
yrs.; dis. on surg. cert, at Hilton Hd., S. C, March 31, '63.
inson, Joseph S., 19 yrs., farmer, Haverford; mus. Oct. 11, '61, for 3
s.; dis. on surg. cert, at Hilton Head, S. C, Jan. 18, '62.
anson, Stephen, 26 yrs., cordwainer, Edgemont; mus. Sept 23, '61, for
yrs.; dia. on surg. cert, at Fortress Monroe, Va., Dec. 8, '61.
les, Charles C, 19 yrs., laborer, Chandlerville; mus. Sept. 9,* '61, for 3
•?.; vet.; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; ab. at mus. out.
les, Thomas T., 29 yrs., laborer. Media; mus. Sept. 9,* '61, for 3 yrs.;
U.; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; wd. in action at Foster's
lace, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 18, '64; died of wds. at Hampton Hosp.,
ortress Monroe, Va., June 10, '64.
ughlin, John, 30 yrs., laborer, Upper Providence; mus. Sept. 9, '61, for
yri.; wd. in action at Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64;
us. out Oct. 14, '64, at exp. of term.
lonard, Thomas, 31 yrs., laborer. Nether Providence; mus. Oct. 21, '61,
r 3 yrs.; mus. out Oct. 22, '64, at exp. of term.
vis, Thomas J., 35 yrs., laborer, Middletown; mus. Sept. 30, '61, for 3
'8.; deserted at Baltimore, Nov. 23, '61. [Dis. Nov. 1, '61,mu8.-out roll]
►yd, Samuel H., 39 yrs., tailor. Media; mus. Sept. 9,* '61, for 3 yrs.; veL;
t-mus. March 16, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; wd. in action at Cemetery
ill, near Petersburg, Va., June 30, '64; mus. out with co. Aug. 28, '65.
ilaney, William, 19 yrs., farmer, Upper Providence; mus. Sept. 9, '61,
r 3 yrs.; died of chron. diarr., at Fernandiua, Fla., Dec. 18, '63.
Intosh, Thomas, 44 yrs., weaver, Middletown; mus. Sept. 9,* '61, for 3
rs.; wd. in action at Secession ville, James Island, S. C, June 16, '62;
rain wd. in trenches on Morris Island, S. C, Sept. 1, '63; vet.; re-mas.
[arch 15, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; again wd. in action at Green Plains,
ermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64 ; ab. at mus. out in TJ. S. Hosp. at Phila-
3lphia. [Died at home May 30, '69.]
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ROSTER AND RECORD OF SERVICE; COMPANY G. 533
Priv. McKenna, Hugh, 44 yrs., laborer, West Chester; mus. Sept. 30, '61, for 3
yrs.; dis. on surg. cert, at Portress Monroe, Va., Dec. 8, '61.
Priv. Miller, Alexander, 32 yrs., laborer, Leiperville; Sept. 23, '61, for 3 yrs.;
dis on surg. cert, at Hilton Head, S. C, Feb. 25, '63.
Priv. O'Brien, Terrence, 19 yrs., laborer, Marple; mus. Sept. 9,* '61, for 3 yrs.;
vet.; re-mus. March 16,- '64, to date Jan. 1. '64; wd. in action at Green
Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64; mortally wd. in action at Straw-
berry Plains, Va., Aug. 16, '64; died of wds. at Hampton Hosp., Fortress
Monroe, Va., Au^. lY, '64.
Priv. Otty, Thomas J., 19 yrs., sawyer, Howellville; mus. Sept. 23, '61, for 3 yrs.;
dis. on surg. cert, at Hilton Head, S. C, Dec. 22, '62.
Priv. Popjoy, William, 18 yrs., laborer, Chester, mus., Sept. 9,* '61, for 3 yrs.;
vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64 ; wd. in action at Foster's
Place, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 18, '64; tr. to Vet. Res. Corps. Jan. 1, '65.
Priv. Pugb, Isaac H., 21 yrs., carpenter, Middletown; mus. Sept. 23, '61, for 3
yrs.; died of chron. diarr. at Beaufort, S. C, Oct. 25, '63. [Bu. rec.
Nov. 2, '63.]
Priv. Rapp, Amos R., 43 yrs., laborer, Media; mus. Sept. 16, '61, for 3 yrs.; dis.
on surg. cert, at Hilton Head, S. C. Sept. 30, '62.
Priv. Ray, Joseph, 42 yrs., laborer, Media; mus. Sept. 9, '61, for 3 yrs.; wd. in
trenches, Morris Island, S. C, Sept. 1, '63; mus. out Oct. 1, '64, at exp.
of term.
Priv. Ronrke, Michael, 18 yrs., laborer, Upper Providence; mus. Sept. 25, '61,
for 3 yrs.; tr. to Vet. Res. Corp, Aug. I, '63 and dis. [Re-entered service
March, '65, for 1 yr., in Co. G, 3d Regt. Vet. Rev. Corps.]
Priv. Russell, James, 19 yrs., laborer. Upper Providence; mus. Sept. 9, '61, for
3 yrs.; died of chron. diarr. at U. S. Hosp., New York, Jan. 8, '64. [Bu
rec. Jan. 30, '64 ; bu. in Cypress Hill Cem., L. I.]
Priv. Seaborn, Alexander, 30 yrs., laborer, Chester; mus. Nov. 4, '61, for 3 yrs.;
wd. in action at Foster's Place, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 18, '64; again
wd. in action at Petersburg Mine, Va., July 30, '64; died of wds. at
Alexandria, Va., Oct. 10, '64.
Priv. Snyder, William S., 20 yrs., laborer, Leiperville; mus. Sept. 9,* '61, for 3
yrs.; vet.; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; wd. in action at
Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64; ab. at mus. out in U. S.
Hosp. at Smithfield, N. C.
Priv. Talbot, Acquilla McDonald, 31 yrs., cooper, Hopewell Twp., York Co.;
mus. Oct. 30, '61, for 3 yrs.; wd. in action at Cemetery Hill, near Peters-
burg, Va., June 30, '64; mus. out Oct. 22, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Thomas, Frederick, 43 yrs., laborer, Warren Tavern, Chester Co.; mus.
Sept. 23, '61, for 3 yrs.; mus. out Oct. 1, '64, at exp. of term. [Died at
home, Dec. 6, '64.]
Priv. Thomas, William F., 31 yrs., carpenter, Media; mus. Sept. 10, '61, for 3
yrs.; mus. out Oct. 1, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Waddell, Thomas P., 23 yrs., butcher, Middletown; mus. Oct. 15, '61, for
3 yrs.; wd. in action at Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64 ;
again wd. in trenches near Petersburg, Va., June 25, '64; mus. out Oct.
14 , '64, at exp. of term.
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HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
Wade, Edward E., 18 yrs., bhcksmlth, Media; mus. Sept. 9,* '61, for 3
yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; capt'd in action at
Strawberry Plains, Va., Aug. 16, '64; died in rebel prison at Salisbury
N. C, Dec. 18, '64. [Another report gives date and place of death An-
dersonville, Dec. 15, '65.]
Walls, Henry, 36 yrs., cordwainer, Media; mus. Sept. 9,* '61, for 3 yrs.;
vet.; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Jan. 1, '64; mus. out with co. Aug.
28, '65.
, Walton, Samuel R., 30 yrs., laborer, Newtown ; mus. Sept. 9,* '61, for 8
yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Jan. I, '64; mus. out with co.
Aug. 28, '65.
. Waters, Patrick, 19 yrs., laborer, Chester; mus. Sept. 9,* '61, for 3 yrs.;
vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; wd. in action at Foster's
Place, Bermmla Hd., Va., May 18, '64; dis. on surg. cert, for wds. at
U. S. Hosp., Chester, May 16, '65.
. Weaver, James G., 30 yrs., cordwainer, Media; mus. Sept. 30, '61, for 3
yrs.; dis. on surg. cert, at Hilton Head, S. C, Nov. 15, '62. [Died at
home Feb., '6Y.J
. White, George, 43 yrs., mason, Upper Providence; mus. Sept. 9, '61, for
3 yrs.; mus. out Oct. 1, '64, at exp. of term.
. Wilson, Crosley B., 18 yrs., farmer, Upper Providence; mus. Oct. 7, '61,
for 3 yrs.; mus. out Oct. 14, '64, at exp. of term.
. Worrell, Edward, 82 yrs., mason, Marple; mu<». Oct. 7, '61, for 3 yrs.; mus.
out Oct. 14, '64, at exp. of term.
. Worrell, James H., 23 yrs., farmer. Upper Providence ; mus. Oct. 23, '61,
for 3 yrs.; tr. to another regt. at Camp Wayne, West Chester, Nov. 1, '61,
on a previous enlistment by order of Gov. A. G. Curtin.
. Worrell, John, 21 yrs., blacksmith, Marple; mus. Sept. 9, '61, for 3 jrs.,
died of phthesis pulmonaris at Hilton Head, S. C, May 12, '62.
. Worrell, Philip, 19 yrs., farmer, Newtown; mus. Sept. 9,* '61, for 3 yrs.;
vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; mus. out with co. Aug.
28, '65.
. Wright, James, 2T yrs., laborer, Marple; mus. Sept. 26, '61, for 3 yrs.:
died of chron. diarr. at Fernandina, Fla., Nov 20, '63.
. Wright, William, 43 yrs., cordwainer. Media; mus. Sept. 23, '61, for 3
yrs.; dis. on surg. cert, at Fortress Monroe, Va., Oct. 7, '61 ; re-enlisted
in regt. Dec. 20, '62 ; died of chron. diarr. at Fernandina, Fla., Nov. 28, '63-
. Young, Charles, 40 yrs., cordwainer. Media; mus. Oct. 7, '61, for 3 yrs.;
mus. out Oct. 14, '64, at exp. of term.
. Young, Frederick, 24 yrs., painter, Chester; mus. Oct. 24, *61, for 3 yrs.;
tr. to another regt. at Camp Wayne, West Chester, Nov. 1, '61, on a pre-
vious enlistment by order of Gov. A. G. Curtin.
Since joined — Drafted and Substitutes,
3. Mathias Kramer (or Cramer), drafted, Oct. 19, '63, for 3 yrs.; pr. to corp.
July 19, '65; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
3. Francis Ebel, drafted, Nov. 2, '63, for 3 yrs.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
). John Wilson, sub., March 4, '65, for 3 yrs.; pr. to Corp.; dis. June 24, '65.
[Re-enlisted in Co. E, 3d U. S. Arty.]
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ROSTER AND RECORD OP SERVICE; COMPANY G. 535
Priv. Anderson, WUliam, drafted, Aug. 21, '63, for 3 yrs.; deserted June 1, '64;
apprehended Sept. 20, '64; ab. since arrest at Washington, D. C.
Priv. Asberry, Elisha; ree't; mus. July 15, '63, for 3 yrs.; a deserter from rebel
army ; tr to Dept. Southwest July 13, '64.
Priv. Barber, Joseph, drafted, Oct. 19, '64, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Barker, John, drafted, July 22, '63, for 3 yrs.; deserted Oct. 23, '64.
Priv. Barney, Michael; rec't; mus. Nov. 2, '64, for 1 yr.; ab. sick at mus. out.
Priv. Bentz, Lewis, drafted, Sept. 24, '63, for 3 yrs.; died at U. S. Hosp., City
Point, Va., Aug. 19, '64.
Priv. Bish, Anthony, drafted, July 22, '63, for 3 yrs.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Blandin, George; rec't; mus. Nov. 22, '64, for 1 yr.; deserted Feb. 9, '65.
Priv. Brady, John B., drafted, Sept. 22, '63, for 3 yrs.; wd, in action at Cemetery
Hill, near Petersburg, Va., June 30, '64; ab. at mus. out; since June
30, '64.
Priv. Brensinger, Joseph; rec't; mus. April 13, '64, for 3 yrs.; joined co. May
2, '64; wd. in action at Foster's Place, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 18, '64;
dis. July 5, '65.
Priv. Brooks, Jacob K., sub., Feb. 28, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Brooks, William A., sub., Feb. 28, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Burgess, Jesse, sub., Feb. 28, '65, for 1 yr.; dis. June 12, '65.
Priv. Carr, Thomas; rec't; mus. March 1, '65, for 1 yr.; deserted June 13, '65.
Priv. Carter, Henry C; rec't; mus. Aug. 24, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. June 28,, '65.
Priv. Caul, Philip, drafted, Nov. 5, '63, for 3 yrs.; deserted Oct. 2, '64.
Priv. Chamberlain, Oscar, sub., March 3, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Chavanne, John P.; rec't; mus. Feb. 28, '65, for 3 yrs.; deserted June
13, '65.
Priv. Collum, Charles; rec't; mus. Nov. 22, '64, for 3 yrs.; dis. June 18, '65.
Priv. Conrad, John P., sub., March 6, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out. Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Dawson, William; rect.; mus. Aug. 11, '64; mortally wd. in action at Fort
Fisher, N. C, Jan. 15, '65; died of wds. at Federal Point, N. C, Jan.
IT, '65.
Priv. Defaux, William, drafted, Sept. 24, '63, for 3 yrs.; killed in action at Ceme-
tery Hill, near Petersburg, Va., June 30, '64.
Priv. Demmick, Calvin S., sub., March 3, '65, for 1 yr.; died at post hosp., Ra-
liegh, N. C, May 22, '65.
Priv. Dodge, Harry A., sub., March 3, '65, for 1 yr.; ab. sick at mus. out.
Priv. Douglass, Andrew J., sub., Feb. 28, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Duganne, Michael, sub , March 3, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Dunham, Charles, sub., March 6, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Edwins, Ebenezer B., sub., Feb. 28, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Farra, William B.; rec't; mus. April 13, '64, for 3 yrs.; joined co. May
2, '64; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Fields, Samuel; rec't; mus. April 13, '64, for 3 yrs.; joined co. May 2, 'ft4;
mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Fisher, Henry; rec't; mus. March 4, '65, for 1 yr.; dis. May U, '65.
Priv. Fitzsimmons, Peter; rec't; mus. Feb. 2t, '65, for 1 yr.; dis. Juno 16, '65.
Priv. Fletcher, Stephen J., drafted, Sept. 24, '63, for 3 yrs ; dis. May 26, '65,
Priv. Foster, Harry E., drafted, Sept. 26, '63, for 3 yrs.; dis. May 17, '65.
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b HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEyENTH REGIMENT.
iv. Frost, John; rec't; mas. Nov. 23, ^64, for I yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
V. Furguson, John C, sub., Feb. 4, '65, for 1 yr.; dis. June 28, '65.
7. Hall, William, J. F., sub., Feb. 28, '65, for I yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
T. Hanin, John; rec't; mas. Nov. 25, '64, for 1 yr.; deserted March 9, '65.
V. Hegadore, Malvin K., sub., Feb. 28, '65, for 1 yr.; ab. sick at mus. out.
V. Heitze, Frederick, drafted, Sept. 24, '63, for 3 yrs.; killed in action at
Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., March 20, '64 ; bu. in Nat. Cem., City
Point, Va., sec. F, div. I, grave 128.
V. Hoffman, George W., sub., March 1, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
V. Hollering, Thomas D., sub., Feb. 28, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
V. Howe, Robert, sub», Feb. 24, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out. Aug. 28, '65.
V. Hunter, Walter S., sub.,' Feb. 28, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
V. Ingalls, Electrus, sub., March 3, '65, for 1 yr.; ab. sick at mus. out.
V. Inhoff, William, sub., Feb. 28, '65, for 1 yr.; dis. June 10, '65.
V. Jennott, James, sub., March 3, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
V Kelly, Unas, sub., Feb. 28, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
V. Knox, Robert, sub., Feb. 26, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
V. Koch, John H., sub., March 2, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
V. Kuhn, Charles, drafted, July 22, '63, for 3 yrs.; wd. in action at Peters-
burg Mine, Va., July 30, '64; tr. to Vet. Res. Corps Jan. 7, '65; dis.
Sept. 19, '65.
V. Lane, James C, sub., March 1, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
V. Lightner, John, sub., March 6, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
V. Littell, Arthur, drafted, Aug. 15, '63, for 3 yrs.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
V. Logsden, Samuel, drafted, March 4, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
V. Marks, Alfred, sub., Feb 23, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
V. McCarty, Daniel, sub., March 4, '65, for 3 yrs.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
V. McGarvey, Francis, sub., March 1, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
V. McKinney, Bernard; rec't; mus. Jan. 13, '65, for 1 yr. [Not on mus.-out roll.]
V. McKnight, Alfred; rec't; mus. March 4, '65, for 1 yc; deserted May
27, '65.
V. Meiser, Herman, drafted, July 29, '63, for 3 yrs.; wd. in action at Green
Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64; dis. date unknown
V. Meredith, John, sub., March 1, '65, for 1 yr ; dis. July 6, '65.
V. Miller, George, drafted, Aug. 21, '63, for 3 yrs.; deserted June 4, '64.
V. Miller, John; rec't; mus. Aug. 27, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. June 28, '65.
V. Mitchell, William J., sub., March 3, '65, for 3 yrs.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
V. Morris, Thomas, sub., March 3, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
V. Murray, William D.; rec't; mus. March 6, '65, for 3 yrs; died at pest
hosp., Ralegh, N. C, May 18, '65.
V. Nesch, John, drafted, Sept. 24, '63, for 3 yrs.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
V. O'Neil, John; rec't; mus. Nov. 22, '64, for 3 yrs.; deserted Feb. 9, '65.
V. Orth, Alexandria, sub., March 1, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
V. Read, Samuel 0., sub., March 3, '65, for 3 yrs.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
V. Reeves, Merritt C, drafted, Oct. 24, '63, for 3 yrs.; wd. in action at
Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64 ; dis. on acct. of wds. April
25, '65.
V. Reitzel, Reuben, sub., March 1, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
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ROSTER AND RECORD OF SERVICE; COMPANY C
Priv. Rogers, James, drafted, Sept. 23, '63, for 3 yrs.; deserted
apprehended May 19, '65; awaiting trial by gen. court-mar
N. C, at mus. oat of regt.
Priv. Rothwein, Philip, drafted, July 22, '63, for 3 yrs.; dis. on g
14, '65.
Priv. Salamo, Theodore, drafted, Sept. 23, '63, for 3 yrs.; wd. ic
Petersburg, Va., Aug. 29, '64; died of ehron. diarr. at
David's Island, N. Y., May 26, '65; bu. in Cypress Hi
grave' 2,887.
Priv. Samuel, David, drafted, Sept. 23, '63, for 3 yrs.; dis. June S
Priv. Scott, Robert; rec't; mus. Aug. 30, '64, for 3 yrs.; mus. ou
Priv. Seward, Smith, sub., Aug. 26, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. June 28, '
Priv. Smith, John 0., sub., March 4, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug,
Priv. Smith, Robert, drafted, Nov. 3, '63, for 3 yrs.; dis. June 23
Priv. Smith, William, drafted, Oct. 15, '63, for 3 yrs.; ab. sick at
Priv. Stein, Edward, drafted, Sept. 23, '63, for 3 yrs.; mus. out A
Priv. Uxley, Cornelius, sub., March 6, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Au
Priv. Vargusen, George, sub., March 3, '65, for 3 yrs.; dis. on i
28, '65.
Priv. Ward, John, sub , March 3, '65, for I yr.; mus. out Aug. 28
Priv. Walker, Okees, drafted, Sept. 23, '63* for 3 yrs.; wd. in act
Place, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 18, '64; mus. out Aug. 28,
Priv. Warner, Philip H., sub., March 14, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out .
Priv. Warnock, James, drafted, July 24, '63, for 3 yrs.; dis. July
Priv. Williamson, William L., sub., Aug. 28, '64, for 1 yr; dis. J
Priv. Willoughby, William, sub., March 1, '66, for 1 yr.; mus. ou
COMPANT H, GREBLE GUARDS.
Capt. Charles Mcllvane, 22 yrs., civil engineer, Brandywine Ma
17, '61, for 3 yrs.; res. and hon. dis. for disability June 10,
Capt. George A. Lemaistre, 20 yrs., merchant, Philadelphia; idi
for 3 yrs.; ap. sergt. Oct. 17, '61 ; pr. to sergt. maj. Oct. 31
lieut. April 29, '62; mus. July 10, '62; cojm. capt. June 11
wd. in action at Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 2
surg. cert, on acct. of wds. at U. S. Hosp., Annapolis, Md.,
Capt. Theodore M. Smedley, 21 yrs., miller, West Bradford; mus.
for 3 yrs.; pr. to corp. and to sergt. dates unknown; vet;
16, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; was acting 1st sergt. from Mf
in action at Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Ya., May 20, '64 ;
Aug. 8, '64; again wd. in action at Fort Fisher, N. C, Ji
to brev. capt., by order of War Dept., March 13, '65; pr.
5, '65; mus. out with co. at Weldon, N. C, Aug. 28, '65.
Isi Lieut. David Jones, 35 yrs., marble manufacturer. West Cheste
service as 1st lieut. Co. F, 9th P. V., April 22, '61, for 3 n
17. '61, for 3 yrs.; pr. to qr.-mr., Oct. 31, '61.
1st Lieut. Thomas S. Taylor, 43 yrs., clerk. West Chester; mus. ai
17, '61, for 3 yrs.; pr. to 1st lieut. Nov. 5, '61; res. and hoi
bility, at Hilton Head, S. C, April 29, '62.
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HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
Elwood P. Baldwin, 22 yrs.; bricklayer, West Chester; first entered
•vice as sergt. in Co. F, 9th P. V., April 22, '61, for 3 mos ; mus. Sept.
, '61, for 3 yrs.; ap. 1st sergt. Oct. IT, '61; pr. to 2d lieut. Nov. 5, 'SI;
to 1st lieut. April 29, '62 ; res. and hon. dis. for disability at Hilton
jad, S. C, Nov. 5, '62.; re-enlisted as priv. March 23, '64; joined
June 18, '64; pr. to sergt. March 6, '65; pr. to 1st sergt. April 1, '65;
to 1st lieut. and adjt. May 26, '65.
. George H. Durnall, 19 yrs., carpenter, Downingtown ; mus. Sept 23*,
-, for 3 yrs.; ap. 5th corp. Oct. 17, '61 ; pr. to 4th corp. Nov. 5, '61; pr.
sergt. May 28. '62; vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64;
to Ist lieut. May 1, '64, not mus.; killed in action at Green Plains, Ber-
ida Hd., Va., May 20, '64; body left on field.
Phares P. 'Brown, 18 yrs., farmer, Guthrieville ; mus. as priv. Sept. 23,*
I, for 3 yrs.; pr. to corp. Nov. 1, '61; vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to
te Feb. 29, '64; pr. to sergt. about May 23, '64; was 1st sergt. from
Jg. 8, until Sept. 21, '64, when pr. to 2d lieut; pr. to 1st lieut Dec. 5,
I; mus. April 5, '65; mus. out with co. at Weldon, N. C, Aug. 28, '65.
Lewis H. Watkin, 18 yrs., clerk, Chadsford, Delaware Co.; mus. as
Iv. Sept 23,* '61, for 3 yrs.; pr. to 8th corp. Nov. 5, '61; pr. to sergt
jg. 1, '63; vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; com. 2d
ut. May 10, '64, not mus.; killed in action at Green Plains, Bermuda
d., Va., May 20, '64; body remained upon field, occupied by the enemy-
. Isaac L. Dutton, 18 yrs., farmer. Lower Oxford; mus. as priv. Sept
,* '61, for 3 yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; pr.
Corp. and to sergt. dates unknown ; wd. in trenches near Petersburg,
El., July 11, '64; pr. to 2d lieut. May 1, '65; mus. May 25, '65; mus.
t with CO. at Weldon, N. C, Aug. 28, '65.
. Jefferson T. Massey, 28 yrs., miller. West Chester; mus. Sept 23, '61,
r 3 yrs.; ap. 2d sergt Oct 17, '61 ; pr. to 1st sergt. Nov. 5, '61 ; dis. on
rg. cert at Hilton Head, S. C, Oct. 8, '62.
Joseph H. Walton, 19 yrs., farmer. Upper Oxford; mus. Sept 23, '61,
r 3 yrs.; ap. 4th sergt Oct 17, '61; pr. to 3d sergt Nov. 1, '61; pr. to
I sergt Nov. 5, '61; pr. to 1st sergt Aug. 8, '62; wd. in action at Green
ains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64; dis. at U. S. Hosp. Sept 23, '64.
b. Benjamin F. Smith, 19 yrs., carpenter, West Chester; mus. as priv.
spt 23,* '61, for 3 yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Jan. 1, '64;
d. in action at Cemetery Hill near Petersburg, Va., June 30, '64 ; pr. to
rp. and to sergt dates unknown; pr. to 1st sergt July 1, *65; mus. out
ith CO. Aug. 28, '65.
illiam Garver, 26 yrs., cabinet maker, Oxford; mus. Sept. 23, '61, for 3
•s.; ap. 5th sergt Oct 17, '61; pr. to 4th sergt Nov. 1, '61; pr. to 3d
rgt Nov. 5, '61 ; pr. to 2d sergt Oct 8, '62.; killed in action at Green
lains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64.
aomas John, 44 yrs., shoemaker, West Chester; mus. Sept 30, '61, for 3
•s.; ap. 1st corp. Oct 17, '61 ; pr. to 5th sergt. Nov. 1, '61; pr. to 4th
rgt. Nov. 5, '61; dis. on surg. cert at Edisto Island, S. C, May 10, '62.
le-entered service June 26, 63, for emergency, as priv. in Co. K, 29th
a. Militia ; dis. with regt Aug. 1, '63.]
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ROSTER AND RECORD OF SERVICE; COMPAN
Sergt. John A. Russell, 25 yrs., shoemaker, West Chester; i
for 3 yrs.; ap. 2d corp Oct. IT, '61 ; pr. to sergt N
mus. March 16, '64, to date Jan. 1, '64; wd. in actioi
Bermuda Hd., Ya., May 20, '64 ; killed in action at (
Petersburg, Va., June 30, '64.
Sergt. Robert Skeen,*Jr., 19 yrs., shoemaker, Do wningtown ;
for 3 yrs.; ap. 4th corp. Oct. 17, '61 ; pr. to 3d corp. Nc
corp. Nov. 5, '61; pr. to sergt. Oct. 8, '62; dis. on su
Head, S. C, July 26, '63. [Re-enlisted in 3 yrs. ser^
corp. Co. M, 20th Pa. Cav. ; pr. to sergt.; dis. with regt
at home of consumption June 8, '66.]
Sergt. George H. Bennett, 18 yrs., farmer, West Chester; mut
'61, for 3 yrs.; pr. to corp. date unknown; vet.; re-mug
date Feb. 29, '64; pr. to sergt. about May 23, '64; wd
Fisher, N. C, Jan. 16, '65; died of wds. at U. S. Ho
N. Y., Jan. 30, '65; bu. in Cypress Hill Cem., L. I.
Sergt. Robert J. Baldwin, 21 yrs., tinsmith. West Chester;
24, '61, for 3 yrs.; pr. to corp. date unknown; pr. tc
23, '64 : wd. in action at Cemetery Hill, near Petersl
'64 ; mus. out Sept. 23, '64, at exp. of term.
Sergt. Robert Walker, 37 yrs., laborer, Downingtown; mus.
'61, for 3 yrs.; vet.; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date «
trenches near Petersburg, Va., July 26, '64; pr. to i
dates unknown ; mus. out with co. Aug. 28, '65.
Sergt. Thomas E. Button, 19 yrs., oc. and res. unknown; rec'
for 3 yrs.; joined co. April 9, '63 ; pr. to corp. and to sei
mus. out with co. Aug. 28, '65.
Sergt. George H. Cook, 18 yrs., laborer, New London; mus. I
yrs.; vet.; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Jan. 1, '64
unknown; pr. to sergt. July 19, '65; mus. out with co
Sergt. Edward A. Weidner, 23 yrs., farmer, Philadelphia; i
23,* '61 for 8 yrs.; vet.; re-mus. March 16, '64, to dal
to corp. date unknown; pr. to sergt. July 1, '65; c
detached service, S. 0. No. 68, War Dept. March 10, '
Corp. G^eorge W. Bums, 27 yrs., carpenter. West Chester;
for 3 yrs.; ap. 3d corp. Oct. 17, '61; pr. to 2d corp.
1st corp. Nov. 5, '61; wd. in action at Green Plains, J
May 20, '64; died of wds. at U. S. Hosp., Fortress
26, '64.
Corp. Thomas J. Henderson, 19 yrs., drover, West Chester;
for 3 yrs.; ap. 7th corp. Oct. 17, '61; pr. to 6th corp.
5th corp. Nov. 5, '61; pr. to 4th corp. May 28, '62; pr.
'62; dis. on surg. cert, at Hilton Head, S. C, Feb. 17,
in 3 yrs. service in 18th Pa. Cav.]
Corp. William F. Smith, 19 yrs.; painter, West Chester; mu
3 yrs.; ap. 8th corp. Oct. 17, '61; pr. to 7th corp. No
corp. Nov. 5, '61; pr. to 5th corp. May 28, '62; pr. J
'62 ; dis. on surg. cert, at Hilton Head, S. C, Nov. 15,
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HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SETENTH REGIMENT.
ames McConnell, 25 yrs., clerk, East Nantmeal ; mus. as priv. Sept. 24,
61, for 3 yrs.; pr. to corp. Nov. 1, '61 ; died of yellow fever at Hilton
aead, S. C, Nov. 2, '62.
homas W. Durnell, 18 yrs., farmer, Oxford; mus. as priv. Sept. 23, '61,
br 3 yrs.; pr. to corp. Nov. 5, '61 ; dis. on sarg. cert, at Fernandina, Fla.,
ipril 10, '64.
ames Wood, 28 yrs., pudler, PhoeQixville; mus. as priv. Sept. 27, '61, for
) yrs.; pr. to corp. date unknown; tr. to Vet. Res. Corps date unknown.
William H. George, 25 yrs., plasterer, West Chester; mus. Sept. 28, '61,
br 3 yrs.; pr. to corp. Oct., '62; tr. to U S. Signal Corps, Feb. 29, '64.
saac T. Massey, 18 yrs., printer. West Chester; mus. Nov. T, '61, for 3
rrs.; pr. to 8th corp. Feb. 17, '63; mus. out Nov. 7, '64, at exp. of term.
hristopher C. Courtney, 19 yrs., blacksmith, Dowoingtown; mus. Sept.
IS* '61, for 3 yrs.; vet.; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; pr.
:o 8th Corp. July 1, '65; mus. out with co. Aug. 28, '65.
n Edward J. Hadley, 18 yrs., farmer, Oxford; mus. Sept, 23,* '61, for 3
^rs.; ap. musician May 10, '63; vet.; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Jan.
L, '64; mus. out with co. Aiig. 28, '65.
n Milton S. Taylor, 18 yrs., painter, West Chester ; mus. Oct. 19, '61, for
\ yrs.; ap. musician Oct. 17, '61; vet.; re-pius. March 16, '64, to date
Fan. 1, '64; pr. to principal musician Sept. 18, '64.
n Charles C. Taylor, 18 yrs., artist, West Chester; mus. Oct 9, '61, for
t yrs.; ap. musician Oct. 17, '61; dis. on surg. cert, at Seabrook, S. C,
iiay 10, '63. [Re-entered service for 3 yrs. Jan. '64, as drummer 186th
?. v.; dis. with regt. Aug. 15, '65.]
3r Marshal B. England, 44 yrs., teamster.. West Chester; mus. Sept. 23,
61, for 3 yrs.; dis. on surg. cert, at Hilton Head., S. C, Sept 19, '62.
Br Levi F. Snyder, 21 yrs., farmer. Rock vi He; mus. Sept 23,* '61, for 3
rrs.; vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; mus. out with co.
Lug. 28, '65.
insworth, Robert L. 40 yrs., plasterer, Rockville; mus. Oct. 23, '61, for
\ yrs.; dis. on surg. cert (epilepsy) at Harrisburg in Oct. or March, '62.
Ilison, Alfred C, 18 yrs., fagner. Upper Uwchland; mus. Sept. 28, '61, for
\ yrs.; dis. on surg. cert at Fernandina, Fla., Dec. 9, '63.
eihler, Joseph, 35 yrs., dyer, Manheim, Lancaster Co.; mus. Oct. 4, '61,
or 3 yrs.; dis. on serg. cert at Hilton Head, S. C, Dec. 10, '62.
sllwoar, John, 23 yrs., laborer. West Goshen; mus. Nov. 5, '61, for 3 yrs.;
lis. at U. S. Hosp , Philadelphia, Nov. 5, '64, at exp. of term. [Died at
lome, Philadelphia, April 12, '67.]
ookman, Samuel, 32 yrs., tailor, Marticville; mus. Oct 15, '61, for 3 yrs.;
r. to regt. band, Oct 24, '61.
rown, William, 24 yrs., oc. and res. unknown; mus. Oct 17, '61, for 3
Ts.; taken to Harrisburg, Oct 28, '61, by order of Gov. A. G. Curtin, as
I deserter from Co. G, 7th Cav.
rubaker, Francis T., 30 yrs., clerk, Strasburg; mus. Oct 10, '61, for 3
frs.; tr. to regt band, Oct. 24, '61.
urns, Charles, 27 yrs., laborer, Downingtown; mus. Oct 22, '61, for 3 yrs.;
nus. out Oct. 22, '64, at exp. of term.
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ROSTER AND RECORD OP SERVICE; COMPANY H. 541
Priv. Busser, Jacob H., 40 yrs., tinsmith and engineer, West Chester; mus.
Sept. 28, '61, for 3 yrs.; wd. in action at Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va.,
May 20, '64; raus. out Oct. 17, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Clark, William, IT jrrs., farmer, Oxford; mus. Sept. 23,* '61, for 3 yrs.;
veL; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Jan. 1, '64; killed in action at Green
Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64.
Priv. Cross, James, 19 yrs., laborer, Coatesville; mus. Oct. 9, '61, for 3 yrs.; dis.
on surg. cert, at Hilton Head, S. C, Jan. 8, '62. [Re-entered 3 yrs.' ser-
vice in Co. B, nth Pa. Cav.]
Priv. Cross, Jonathan, 44 yrs., farmer, Coatesville; mus. Oct. 17, '61, for 3 yrs.;
mus. out Oct. 17, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Bailing, William, 33 yrs., painter, West Chester; mus. Oct. 10, '63, for 3
yrs.; tr. to regt. band, Oct 24, '61. ■
PriT. Dasey, Joseph, 27 yrs., farmer. Bast Whiteland; mus. Sept. 23,* '61, for 3
yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; wd. in trenches
near Petersburg, Va., June 24, '64; mus. out with co. Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Davidson, Ezeikel, 26 yrs., oc. unknown. East Nantmeal; mus. Oct. 4, '61,
for 3 yrs.; deserted from Camp Wayne, Oct. 26, '61. [Marked insane on
Alphabetical Roll]
Priv. Davis, Isaac B., 29 yrs., farmer, Upper Oxford; mus. Sept. 23, '61, for 3
yrs.; dis. on surg. cert, at Hilton Hd., S. C, March 28, '63.
Priv. Davis, James K., 33 yrs., teamster, Pennington ville; mus. Oct. 7, '61, for
3 yrs.; dis. on surg. cert, at Hilton Hd., S. C, Nov. 17, '62, [Died of
chron. diarr at U. S. Hosp., New York, Dec. 19, '62; bu. in Cypress Hill
Cem., L. I., grave 569.]
Priv. Davis, William P., 41 yrs., lawyer, Philadelphia; rec't; mus. Nov. 24, '61,
for 3 yrs.; mus. out Nov. 23, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Dean, Christopher, 22 yrs., farmer, Oxford; mus. Sept. 23,* '61, for 3 yrs.;
vet.; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; mus. out with co. Aug.
28, '65.
Priv. Dutton, Alfred L., 20 yrs., farmer. Elk Dale; mus. Nov. 4, '61, for 3 yrs,
tr. to Co. E, 3d U. S. Arty, at Hilton, Hd., S. C, Nov. 16, '62.
Priv. Evans, Abner, 32 yrs., shoemaker. West Chester; mus. Sept. 23,* '61, for
3 yrs.; ap. corp. Oct. 17, '61; tr. to ranks at own request, Nov. 1, '61;
vet.; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Jan. 1, '64; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Everhart, James S., 20 yrs., wheelwright, Downingtown; mus. Sept. 23,*
'61, for 3 yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; dis. on
surg. cert, at U. S. Hosp., Point of Rocks, Va., Jan. 11, '65.
Priv. Fithian, Austin M., 20 yrs., shoemaker. West Che^^ter; mus. Oct. 15, '61,
for 3*yrs.; tr. to regt. band, Oct. 24, '61.
Priv. Ford, James G., 18 yrs., farmer, Oxford; mus. Oct. 7, '61, for 3 yrs.; tr. to
U. S. Signal Corps, by order of War Dept., Feb. 29, '64.
Priv. Gallagher, James S., 21 yrs., farmer, Bradywine Manor; mus. Sept. 24, '61,
for 3 yrs.; dis. on surg. cert, at Hilton Hd., S. C, July 28, '62.
Priv. Garrett, George F., 34 yrs., tailor, West Chester; mus. Sept. 28, '61, for 3
yrs.; dis. on surg. cert, at U. S. Hosp., Washington, D. C, May 23, '62.
[Re-entered service for emergency June 18, '63, as priv. in Co. H, 29th
Pa. Militia; dis. with co. Aug. 1, '63.]
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HISTORY OF THE NINETY SEVENTH REGIMENT.
Goold, Payne A., 21 yrs., tobacconist, West Chester; mus. Nov. 9, '61, for
3 yrs.; tr. to regt. band, Nov. 9, '61; re-enlisted in co. Aug. 31, '62; dia
on surg. cert, at St. Helena, S. C, Dec. 10, '62.
Griffith, Hanford T., 21 yrs., farmer, York; rec't; raus. Aug. 25, '62;
drowned while bathing in Eiawah Creek, Seabrook Island, S. C, Jone
4, '63.
Griffith, Oliver A., 27 yrs., laborer, Coatesville; mus. Sept. 23,* '61, for 3
yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; wd. in trenches
near Petersburg, Va., June 24, '64; ab. on acct. of wds. at Filbert St.
Hosp., Philadelphia; tr. April 27, '65, to Co. K, 20th Vet. Res. Corps.
[Dis. at Wheeling, Va., June 5, '65.]
Hanson, John, 18 yrs., oc. unknown, Oxford; mus Sept, 23, '61, for 3 yra;
deserted at Camp Wayne, Oct. "26, '61.
Hardin, William H, 19 yrs., farmer. Lower Oxford; mus. Sept. 23, '61, for
3 yrs.; dis. on surg. cert, at Fernandina, Fla., Dec. 9, '63.
Harvey, Marshall B., 44 yrs., farmer. West Chester; mus. Sept. 23, '61,
for 3 yrs.; dis. on surg. cert, at Hilton Head, S. C, Sept. 19, '62. [Died
at home, date unknown.]
Heed, Harmon, 21 yrs., druggist. West Chester; mus. Oct. 3, '61, for 3
yrs.; pr. to hosp steward Oct. 29, '61.
Hemphill, William C, 27 yrs., livery keeper. West Chester; mus. Oct 15,
'61, for 3 yrs.; tr. to regt. band Oct. 24, '61.
Hesson, John, 27 yrs., moulder, Philadelphia; mus. Sept. 23, '61, for 3 yrs.;
wd. in action at Strawberry Plains, Va., Aug. 16, '64; dis. on acct of
wds. at U. S. Hosp., Philadelphia. Oct. 17, '64. *
Hosmer, John L., 25 yrs., farmer, Newtown; mus. Oct 10, '61, for 3 yrsj'
tr. to regt. band Oct 24, '61.
Hughes, John G., 44 yrs., farmer. East Vincent; mus. Sept 27, '61, for 3
yrs.; died at Fernandina, Fla., Oct 15, 63.
Humphrey, Samuel, 35 yrs., laborer, Lionville, rec't; mus. Jan. 6, '62, for
3 yrs.; joined co. Feb. 25, '62; dis. on surg. cert, at Hilton Hd., S. C,
Oct 23, '62.
Hunter, Samuel, 44 yrs., shoemaker, Downingtown; mus. Oct. 12, '61, for
3 yrs.; died of chron. diarr. at Morris Island, S. C, Sept 4, '63.
Jackson, Milton, 44 yrs., wheelwright, Downingtown; mus. Oct 24, '61,
for 3 yrs.; dis. on surg. cert, at Seabrook Island, S. C, June 24, '63.
Jones, Peter T., 21 yrs., laborer, Mount Holly, N. J.; mus. Oct 9, '61 for
3 yrs.; deserted at Fernandina, Fla., March 16, '62.
Kimes, James H., 18 yra., oc. unknown. West Chester; mus. Oct 15, '61,
for 3 yrs.; dis. on writ of habeas corpus by Judge W. Wollerton, at West
Chester, Oct 26 '61, on acct of minority.
Kurl, Alfred, 40 yrs., oc. and res. unknown; mus. Oct 15, '61, for 3 yrs.;
taken to Harrisburg by order of Gov. A. G. Curtin as a deserter from Co.
G, 7th Pa. Cav., Oct. 28, '61.
Loud, Henry, 24 yrs., Phoenlxville -^ mus. Sept 23,* '61, for 3 yrs.; vet;
re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; wd. in action at Green
Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64; ab. at mus. out on acct of
wds. at Point Lookout Hosp., Md.; since May 20, '64.
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ROSTER AND RECORD OF SERVICE; COMPANY
Prir. Loud, James, 21 yrs., laborer, Phoenixville ; mus. Sept. 23
vet.; re-mus. March 16, *64, to date Feb. 29, '64; die.
U. S. Hopp Sept. 20, '64.
Priv. Lovell, Richard M., 24 yrs., carpenter, ChaDdlerville; n
for 3 yrs.; tr. to rogt. band Oct. 24, '61.
Priv. Lovell, William T.,'29 yrs., farmer. West Chester; mm
for 3 yrs.; veL; re-mus. March 16, '64, to Ate Jan. 1, '€
at Cemetery Hill, near Petersburg, Va., June 30, '64;
U. S. Hosp., Point Lookout, Md., July 28, '64.
Priv. Maloney, Daniel, 33 yrs., tailor, Oxford; mus. Sept. 23,
vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; died' c
Portsmouth Grove Hosp., R. L, Oct. 10, '64.
Priv. McFalls, Amos, 23 yrs., farmer, M^rticville; mus. Oct. 1
tr to regt. band Oct. 24, '61.
Priv. McGrinder, Joseph, 22 yrs., laborer, Downingtown; rou
for 3 yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Feb.
action at Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64.
Priv. McHenry, Harrison, 16 yrs., farmer, Guthrieville; mus.
yrs.; mus. out Oct. 17, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv, Mcllvaine, John J., 34 yrs., plumber. West Chester; mus
3 yrs.; wd. in action at Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., '^
mus. out Oct. 28, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. McKeever, John A. D., 18 yrs., machinist, Oxford; mui
3 yrs.; dis. on surg. cei*t. at Fernandina, Fla., Dec. 9, '61
Priv. Miller, Abia C. B., 19 yrs., tinsmith. West Chester; mus.
3 yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64;
Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Ma., May 20, '64; ab. at i
of wds. at Satterlee Hosp., Philadelphia; siice May 20,
Priv. Moore, Samuel, 44 yrs.; mason, res. unknown; mus. Se
yrs.; died of typhoid fever at U. S. Hosp., Hilton Head, i
Priv. Mulholland, David, 28 yrs., blacksmith, Norristown; mus
3 yrs.; wd. in trenches near Petersburg, Va., July IT, '(
21, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Mulholland, Hamilton, 42 yrs., laborer, Downingtown; mi
for yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Feb. 29, '6
of arm in action at Cold Harbor, Ya., June 6, '64 ; dis
22, '65, at U. S. hosp., York, Pa.
Priv. Myers, George W., 26 yrs., painter, Strasburg; mus. 0
yrs.; tr. to regt. band Oct. 24, '61.
Priv. Painter, Albert P., 18 yrs., clerk. West Chester; mus. S
yrs.; dis. on surg. cert, at Edisto Island, S. C, April 29,
Priv. Patterson, Benjamin, 33 yrs, mason. West Chester; mi
for 3 yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Feb. 29, '
at Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Ya., May 20, '64; mus. <
Priv. Poulson, Isaac W., 19 yrs., machinist, Kennett Square; m
for 3 yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Feb. 2
action at Strawberry Plains, Ya., Aug. 16, '64; died w
and place unknown.
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644 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
Priv. Reed, Bernard, 24 yrs., laborer, West Chester; mus. Oct. 10, '61, for 3
yrs.; tr. to regt. band, Oct. 24, *61.
Priv. Roeeker, Bernard, 31 yrs., confectioner and baker. West Chester; mus.
Oct. 10, '61, for 3 yrs.; tr. to regt. band, Oct. 24. '61.
Priv. Roeeker, Christian, 36 yrs., confectioner and baker, West Chester; mus.
Oct. 10, '61, for 3 yrs.; tr. to regt. band Oct. 24. '61.
Priv. Shenk, Hiram, 33 yrs., %tone mason, Marticville; mus. Oct. 15, '61, for 3
yrs.; tr. to regt. band Oct. 24, '61.
Priv. Smith, Samuel R., 33 yrs., painter, Oxford; mus. Oct. 24, '61, for 3 yrs.;
killed in action at Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Ya., May 20, '64.
Priv. Steele, William M., 44 yrs., carpenter, Schuylkill County ; mus. Sept. 23,*
'61, for 3 yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; ab. at
mus. out; sick in U. S. Hosp., Portress Monroe, Va.; since June, '65.
Priv. Steube, John, 27 yrs., tailor, Strasburg; mus. Oct. 10, '61, for 3 yrs.; tr.
to regt. band Oct. 24, '61.
Priv. Sullivan, Ezra H., 20 yrs., machinist, Marshalton; mus. Oct. 12, '61, for 3
yrs.; mus. out Oct. 17, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Taylor, Edward H., 17 yrs., clerk, West Chester; mus. Oct. 10, '61, for 3
yrs.; dis. on surg. cert, at Edisto Island, S. C, April 29, '62.
Priv. Taylor, John H., 43 yrs., musician, West Chester; mus. Oct. 10, '61, for 3
yrs.; tr. to regt. band as leader Oct. 24, '61.
Priv. Tinsley, Alexander, 18 yrs., shoemaker, Coatesville; mus. Sept. 23,* '61,
for 3 yrs.; vet,; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Jan. 1, '64; killed in action
at Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64.
Priv. Wilson, William Granville, 16 yrs., minor, Coatesville; mus. Oct. 21, '61,
for 3 yrs.; dis. on writ of habeas corpus by Hon. T. Haines, at West
Chester, Oct. 26, '61, on acct. of minority.
Since joined — Drafted and Substitutes,
Corp. William Mills, drafted, Sept. 23, '63, for 3 yrs.; no date of pr. to corp.;
wd. in trenches near Petersbug, Va., July 18, '64; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
' [Died Sept. 1, '65, in Philadelphia, before reaching home.]
Corp. James McGuigao, sub., Oct. 27, '64, for 1 yr.; no date of pr. to corp.; mus.
out Aug. 28, '65.
Corp. Jesse Wheeler, sub., Nov. 22, '64, for 3 yrs.; no date of pr. to corp.; mus.
out Aug. 28, '65. [Re-entered U. S. service Sept. 15, '66, and pr. to
sergt. Co. K, 28th Infty., U. S. A.]
Corp. William Shields, sub., Nov. 19, '64, for 1 yr.; no date of pr. to corp.; mus.
out Aug. 28, '65.
Corp. John B. Allen, sub., Oct. 27, '64, for 1 yr.; no date of pr. to corp.; mus.
out Aug. 28, '65.
Corp. George W. Dehoff, sub., March 4, '65, for 1 yr.; no. date of pr. to corp.;
mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Corp. William Wright, drafted, Oct. 13, '63, for 3 yrs.; wd. in action at Drory's
Bluff. Va., May 16, '64; pr. to corp. July 19, '65; mus. out Aug. 28, '66.
Musician Philip Richard, sub., Feb. 28, '65, for 1 yr.; no date of ap.; mus. out
Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Andy, Hezekiah, drafted, Nov. 5, '63, for 3 yrs.; killed in action at Ceme-
tery Hill, near Petersburg, Va., June 30, '64.
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ROSTER AND RECORD OP SERVICE; COMPANY H. 546
Priv. Allen, Robert W., drafted, Oct. 2, '63, for 3 yrs.; wd. in action at Green
Plains, Bermnda Hd., Va., May 20, '64; deserted^ date not given; re-
turned, date not given ; sentenced by court-martial to forfeit 1 mo. pay
G. 0. 25, hd.-qrs. lOtb corps, July 8, '65; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Anderson, Charles R, drafted, Sept. 23, '63, for 3 yrs.; deserted June 8, '65.
Priv. Anderson, George W., drafted, Sept. 23, '63, for 3 yrs.; wd. in action at
Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Ya., May 20, '64; died of confluent small
pox at Satterlee Hosp., Philadelphia, March T, '6f^.
Priv. Bennett, William, drafted, Oct. 19, '63, for 3 yrs.; wd. in action at Green
Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64; tr. to Dept. N. W. Oct. 15, '64.
Priv. Billings, William, sub., Sept. 3, '64, for 3 yrs.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Bills, Abraham L., sub., March 2, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Boyd, William H., sub., March 4, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Bradshaw, Thomas, drafted, July 22, '63, for 3 yrs.; deserted Jan. 5. '64.
Priv. Brennan, John, drafted, Sept. 24, '63, for 3 yrs.; deserted Aui^. 16, '64.
Priv. Carbaugh. Daniel, drafted, Feb. 21, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '66.
Priv. Cavanaugh, James, drafted, Oct. 21, '63, for 3 yrs.; deserted Jan. 5, '64.
Priv. Chariton, John G., drafted, Feb. 21, 65, for 1 yr.; dis. May 23, '65.
Priv. Charney, Charles, drafted, Sept. 23, '63, for 3 yrs.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Church, Marcus W., drafted, Sept. 30, '64, for 1 yr.; die. June 28, '65.
Priv. Collioud, Samuel, drafted, Oct. 21, '63, for 3 yrs.; wd. in action at Green
Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64 ; dis. on surg. cert. May 25, '65.
Priv. Craney, John, drafted, Sept. 23, '63, for 3 yrs.; wd. in action at Petersburg
Mine, Va., July 30, '64; tr. to Vet. Res. Corps. [Dis. March It, '65.]
Priv. Cress, Adam, drafted, Feb. 21, '65, for 1 yr.; dis. May 23, '65.
Priv. Critchfield, James, drafted, Sept. 30, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. June 28, '65.
Priv. Curtis, John, sub., Nov. 21, '64, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Dawson, Robert S., drafted, Sept. 23, '63, for 3 yrs.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Donahue, Michael, sub., July 11, '64, for 3 yrs.; dis. June 11, '65.
Priv. Donnelly, John, drafted, Oct. 22, '63, for 3 yrs.; deserted Jan. 5, '64.
Priv. Douglass, Byron, drafted, Sept. 23, '63, for 3 yrs.; killed in action at Green
Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64.
Priv. Drumm, Edward, sub., Feb. 14, '65, for 3 yrs. [Not on mus.-out roll]
Priv. Dry, Mordecai, drafted, Sept. 24, '63, for 3 yrs.; killed in action at Green
Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64.
Priv. Dufly, Robert, drafted, Oct. 22, '63, 3 yrs.; deserted June 8, '64.
Priv. Dunaway, William H., drafted, Sept. 30, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. June 28, '65.
Priv. Dunn, Thomas, sub., Sept. 24, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. on surg. cert. June 29, '65.
Priv. Entrican, CharleS, drafted, Sept. 24, '63, for 3 yrs.; wd. in action at Green
Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va.; May 20, '64; deserted from Filbert St. Hosp.,
Philadelphia, Oct. 1, '64.
Priv. Evards, Philip, drafted, Feb. 21, '65, for 1 yr.; died of fever at post hosp.,
Raleigh, N. C, May 12, '65.
Priv. Fields, David F., drafted, Feb. 21, '65, for 1 yr.; dis. July 18, '65.
Priv. Finegan, Owen, drafted, Sept. 24, '63, for 3 yrs.; wd. in action at Drury's
Bluff, Va., May 16, '64; dis. July 6, '65.
Priv. Floray, Philip, drafted, Oct. 1, '64, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Force. William H., sub., Feb. 28, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
35
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546 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
Priv. Gaffany, Terrence, sub., Sept. 24, '64, for 1 yr.; die. June 28, '65.
Priv. Glenn, John, drafted, Feb. 21, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Graham, Alexander, drafted, Sept. 23, '63, for 3 yrs.; died of heart disease
at Fernandina, Fla., April 26, '64.
Priv. Haley, Martin, sub., Oct. 24, '64, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug, 28, '65.
Priv. Hamm, Conrad, drafted, Sept. 23, '63, for 3 yrs.; ab. sick at mus, out.
Priv. Harbours, Alfred N., sub., Aug. 25, '64, for I yrs.; dis. June 28, '65.
Priv. Harrison, Charles, sub., Nov. 28, '64, for 3 yrs.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Hart, Thomas, sub., Aug. 29, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. June 28, '65.
Priv. Hartman, Augustus, drafted, Nov. 5, '63, for 3 yrs.; wd. in trenches near
Peterburg, Va., July 6, '64; died of wds. at Hampton Hosp., Fortress
Monroe, Va., July 29„ '64.
Priv. Hazel, Andrew, drafted, Oct 1, '64, for 1 yr.; wd. in action at Port Fisher,
N. C, Jan. 15, '65; mus. out Aug. 28, '65. [Died at his home. Centre
Co., of chron. diarr. Sept., '65.]
Priv. Headley, Amos B., sub., Aug. 24, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. Jnne 28, '65.
Priv. Heeley, Hugh, sub., Nov. 16, '64, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Hennessey, John, sub., Oct 25, '64, for 1 yr.; mus out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Horr, John, drafted, Feb. 21, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Hoxendofel, Frederick, sub., Nov. 4, '64, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, ^65.
Priv. Jones, Charles, drafted, July 29, '63, for 3 yrs.; ab. sick at mus. out.
Priv. Jones, John, sub., Aug. 11, '64, for 3 yrs.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Jones, Owen, drafted, Oct. 22, '63, for 3 yrs.; ab. sick at mus. out.
Priv. Jones, Thomas, sub., Feb. 14, '65, for 3 yrs. [Not on mus.-out roll.]
Priv. Kerchner, George, drafted, Oct 16, '63, for 3 yra.; died of dysentery at
10th Corp. hosp.. Point of Rocks, Va., Aug. 5, '64; bu. in Nat Gem.,
City Point, Va., sec. D, div. 4, grave 161.
Priv. Lamory, Henry, sub., Nov. 25, '64, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Lander, Oscar, drafted, Oct 22, '63, for 3 yrs.; ab. sick at mus. out; at Fil-
bert St. Hosp., Philadelphia, since May 20, '64.
Priv. Lathrup, Eugene, sub., Feb. 21, '65, for 3 yrs. [Not on mus.-oot roll.]
[Dis. Aug. 8, '65.— Bates' State History.]
Priv. Malone, James, sub., July 21, '64; for 3 yrs.; dis. June 29, '65.
Priv. Marks, Thomas, sub., Feb. 14, '65, for 3 yrs. [Not on mus.-out roll.]
Priv. Marshall, Samuel, sub., Feb. 14, '65, for 3 yrs. [Not on mus.-out roll.]
Priv. Martin, Job H., drafted, Feb. 21, '65, for 1 yr; dis. May 28, '65.
Priv. McColly, Patrick, drafted. March 4, '65, for 3 yrs ; deserted July 21, '65.
Priv. McDonald, George, sub., Nov. 22, '64, for 3 yrs., deserted April 1, '65.
Priv. McDonald, William, drafted. Sept 23, '63, for 3 yrs.;' wd. in action at Green
Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64. [Not on mus.-oul roll.]
Priv. Montgomery, David, drafted, Feb. 2T, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Moore, Charles, sub., Feb. 27, '65, for 1 yr.; in confinement at Raleigb,
N. C, at mus. out; sentenced by court-martial to 3 mos; hard labor and
forfeit 3 mos. pay, by G. O. 16, July 5, '65.
Priv. Moore, Jonas, drafted, Oct 1, '64, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Murphy, William, sub., Nov. 22, '64, for 3 yrs.; ab. sick at mus. out •
Priv. Nesbitt, John, drafted, March 4, '65, for 1 yr.; deserted July 18, '65.
Priv. Nichols, Albert B., drafted. Sept 23, '63, for 8 yrs.; deserted April 1, '6fc.
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ROSTER AND RECORD OP SERVICE; COMPANY H. 547
TtW. O'Donald, Peter, sub., Nov. 25, '64, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. O'Hara, John, drafted, Sept. 23, '63, for 3 yrs.; dis. June 8, '65.
Priv. Orth, William, drafted, March 4, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Pointer, Thomas, sub., Sept. 24, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. June 28, '65.
PnV. Potter, George P., drafted, Sept. 30, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. June 28, '65.
Priv^. Preston, Joseph, sub., March 2, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Price, Joseph, sub., Sept. 24, '64, for 1 yr. dis. June 28, '65.
Priv. Printz, Frederick, drafted, Nov. 5, '63, for 3 yrs.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Pyle, Levi B, sub., March 2, '65, for 1 yr.; dis. July 18, '65.
Priv. Raby, George, drafted, Feb. 21, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Ranch, George, drafted, Feb. 22, '65, for 1 yr.; dis. May 23, '65.
Priv. Richards, William, sub., Oct. 26, '64, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Rider, Abner, drafted, Oct. 1, '64, for 3 yrs.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Riley, Edward, sub., Feb. 28, '65, for 3 yrs.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Segee, James, drafted, Aug. 5, '63, for 3 yrs.; dis. June 14, '65.
Priv. Seymour, William P., drafted, Sept. 24, '63, for 3 yrs.; deserted June 6, '64.
Priv. Shaffer, John, drafted, Sept. 20, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. June 14, '65.
Priv. Shay, William H., sub., March 3, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Shuttmire, Joseph, sub., Nov. 19, '64, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Simpson. Milton, sub., Aug. 29, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. June 28, '65.
Priv. Smith, George, drafted. Sept, 23, '63, fur 3 yrs.; wd. in action at Cold Hax-
bor, Va., June 4, '64; dis. on acct. of wds. Dec. 14, '64.
Priv. Smith, John H., drafted, Sept. 30, '64, for 1 yr. [Not on mus.-out roll.]
[Dis. G. 0., June 28, '65.— Bates' State History.]
Priv. Smith, John W., drafted, Sept. 23' '63, for 3 yrs.; ab. sick at mus. out.
Priv. Spencer, Thomas, sub.. March 2, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Steach, James, drafted, Feb. 21, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Tackaberry, James, sub., March 2, '65, for 1 yr.; ab. sick at mus. out.
[Died Sept. 13, '65; bu. in Nat. Cem., Newbern, N. C, plot 7, grave 18.]
Priv. Tarleton; Robert, sub., Oct. 24, '64, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Thomas, Joseph H., drafted, Sept. 30, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. June 28, '65.
Priv. Tobin, Martin H., sub., Oct. 13, '64, for 1 yr.; died after mus.-out roll was
prepared and previous to mus. out, date not given.
Priv. Wagner, Felix, drafted, Sept. 23, '63, for 3 yrs.; deserted Feb. 2, '65.
COMPANY I, BEOOKE GUARDS.
Capt. George W. Hawkins, 34 yrs., carpenter, Philadelphia ; first entered service
as priv. in Co. F, ITth P. Y., April 26, '61, for 3 mos.; mus. April 19,
'62, to date Oct. 29, '64, for 3 yrs.; wd. in action at Darby Town Road,
Va., Oct. 27, '64; leg amputated; died of wds. Oct. 28, '64. [Com. issued
by Gov. Curtin as lieut. col. Oct. 29, '64, to rank from Sept. 18, '64.]
Capt. George W. Duffee, 19 yrs., farmer, Marcus Hook; mus. Oct. 9,* '61, for 3
yrs.; ap. 5th sergt. Oct. 19, '61; pr. to 4th sergt. Jan. 1, '62; pr. to 3d
sergt. April 16, '62; pr. to 2d sergt. Sept. 16, '62; pr. 1st sergt. Sept. 20
'62; vet,; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; pr. to 2d lieut. Feb]
5, '64; pr. to 1st lieut. Feb. 6, '64; wd. in action at Fort Gilmer, Va.,
Sept. 29, '64; pr. to capt. Dec. 2, '64; again wd. in action at Fort Fisher,
N. C, Jan. 15, '65 ; mus. out with co. at Weldon, N. C, Aug. 28, '65.
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548 HISTORY OP THE NINETT-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
1st Lieut. Sketchley Morton, Jr., 20 yrs., lumber merchant, Mortonville, Dela-
ware Co.; mus. Oct. 19, '61, for 3 yrs.; died of yellow fever at Hilton
Head, S. C, Nov. 12, '62.
1st Lieut. W. H. H. Gibson, 22 yrs., clerk, Chester; mus. as priv. Oct 9.* '61,
for 3 yrs.; pr. to corp. date unknown; pr. to 4th sergt. April 16, '62; pr.
to 3d sergt. Sept. 16, '62; pr. to 2d sergt. Sept. 20, '62; vet.; re.mus.
March 16, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; pr. to 2d lieut. Feb. 6, '64; wd. in
action at Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Y.a., May 20, '64; pr. to 1st lieut.
Dec, '64 ; mus. out with co. at Weldon, N. C, Aug. 28, '66.
2d Lieut. Annesley N. Morton, 19 yrs., lumber merchant, Mortonville, Delaware
Co.; mus. Nov. 16, '61, for 3 yrs.; res. and hon. dis. at Edisto Island,
S. C, April 16, '62. [Re-entered the service as Capt. Co. L, 15th
Pa. Cav.]
2d Lieut. James Williams, 38 yrs., seaman, Lin wood; first entered service as
sergt. in Co. I, 9th P. V., April 22, '61, for 3 mos.; mus. Sept. 16, '61, for
3 yrs.; ap. 1st sergt. Oct. 19, '61; pr. to 2d lieut. April 16, '62; res. on
acct. of ill health and hon. dis. at Hilton Head, S. C, Sept. 8, '62.
2d Lieut. John Enapp, 25 yrs., barber, Philadelphia; mus. Nov. 8, '61, for 3 yrs.;
ap. 2d sergt; pr. to 1st sergt. April 16, '62; pr. to 2d lieut. Sept. 10, '62;
res. and hon. dis. at Fernandina, Fla., Feb. 5, '64.
2d Lieut. George M. Middleton, 20 yrs , farmer, Lazaretto; mus. as priv. Oct
9,* '61, for 3 yrs.; pr. to corp. Sept 16, '62; pr. to sergt date unknown ;
vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Jan. 1, '64; wd. in action at Green
Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64; pr. to 1st sergt Oct 29, '64; pr.
to 2d lieut Dec. 2, '64; again wd. in action at Fort Fisher, N. C, Jan.
15, '65 ; mus. out with co. at Weldon, N. C, Aug. 28, '65.
Ist Sergt John C. Morton, 25 yrs., seaman, Chester; mus. in Co. G Oct. 11,
'61, for 3 yrs.; tr. to Co. I as 4th sergt Jan. 1, '62; pr. to 3d sergt. Sept
16, '62; pr. to 2d sergt. Sept 20, '62; pr. to 1st sergt May 1, '63; mus.
out Oct 21, '64, at exp. of term.
1st Sergt. William Ottowell, 28 yrs., waterman, Newtown Square; mus. Oct
9,* '61, for 3 yrs.; ap. 7th corp. Oct 19, '61; pr. to 6th corp. April 16,
'62; pr. to sergt May 2, '63; vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Feb.
29, '64 ; wd. in action at Wier Bottom Church, Va., Aug. 26, '64 ; pr. to
Ist sergt. Dec. 2, '64; mus. out with co. Aug. 28, '65.
Sergt Thomas A. Watson, 21 yrs., coach maker, Chester; mus. Oct 15, '61, for
3 yrs.; ap. 3d sergt Oct 19, '61; pr. 2d sergt April 16, '62; dis. on surg.
cert at Hilton Head, S. C, Sept 20, '62.
Sergt. James E. Engle, 18 yrs, clerk, Chester; pans, as priv. Oct 9,* '61, for 3
yrs.; pr. to corp. Jan. 1, '62; pr. to 5th sergt. April 16, '62; pr. to 4th
sergt Sept 20, '62; pr to 2d sergt. Feb. 5, '64; vet; re.mus. March 16,
'64, to date Feb. 29, '64 ; wd. with loss of arm in action at Green Plains,
Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64; dis. to receive pr. Aug. 24, '64, by S. 0.,
War Dept. [Pr. to 2d lieut 16th Regt Vet Res. Corps.]
Sergt. William R. Wood, 22 yrs., cordwainer. Media; mus. Nov. 10, '61, for 3 yrs.;
ap. 1st Corp.; pr. to 5th sergt. May 2, '62; pr, to 4th sergt. Sept 10, '62;
pr. to 3d sergt. Sept. 20, '62; wd. in action at Green Plains, Bermuda
Hd., Va., May 20, '64; mus. out Oct 29, '64, at exp. of term.
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ROSTER AND RECORD OP SERVICE; COBiPANY I. 549
Sergt. William P. Hayman, 33 yrs., lumberman, Oakdale; mus. Oct. 9,* '61, for 3
yrs.; ap. 2d corp. Oct. 19, '61; pr. to sergt. and to 2d sergt. dates un-
known; vet.; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; wd. in action at
Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64; mus. out with co. Aug*
28, '66.
Sergt. Horatio A. Powell; 31 yrs., carpenter, Radnor; rec't; mus. as priv. April 2,
'62, for 3 yrs.; pr. to corp. April 16, '62; pr. to sergt. date unknown; dis.
April 2, '65, at exp. of term.
Sergt. William H. Reese, 20 yrs., farmer, Xewtown Square; rec't; mus. as priv.
Jan. 2, '62, for 3 yrs.; joined co. Feb. 18, '62; pr. to corp. May 1, '63;
vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; pr to sergt. date un-
known; wd. in action at Darby Town Road, Va., Oct. 27, '64; ab. sick
at U. S. Hosp., Portsmouth Grove, R. I.; since May 2, '65; dis. by G. 0.,
Aug. 15, '65.
Sergt Edward Home, 18 yrs., farmer. Lazaretto; mus. Oct. 9,* 61, for 3 yrs.;
vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Jan. 1, '64; pr. to corp. and to sergt.
dates unknown; mus. out with co. Aug. 28, '65.
Sergt. Jacob Cline, 18 yrs., farmer. Lazaretto; mus. as priv. Oct. 9,* 61, for 3
yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; pr. to corp. and
to sergt. dates unknown; mus. out with co. Aug. 28, '65.
Corp. John L. Morton, 19 yrs., farmer. Darby; mus. Sept. 21, '61, for 3 yrs.; ap.
Corp. Oct. 19, '61; died of typhus fever at Fernandina, Fla., March 28, '62.
Corp. Clayton C. Elbertson, 33 yrs., farmer, Newtown Square; mus. Oct. It,
'61, for 3 yrs.; ap. corp. Oct 19, '61; dis. on surg. cert, at Seabrook Is-
land, S. C, May 9, '63.
Corp. Robert Trowland, 40 yrs., weaver. Darby; mus. Nov. 15, '61, for 3 yrs.;
ap. Corp.; died of chron. diarr. at XJ. S. Hosp., Philadelphia, Nov. 4, '63.
Corp. Thomas Creigan, 30 yrs., laborer, Oakdale; mus. Oct. 9,* 61, for 3 yrs.;
ap. 6th corp. Oct. 19, '61; pr. to 5th corp. Jan. 1, '62; pr. to 4th corp.
April 16, '62; pr. to 2d corp. Sept. 20, '62; vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to
dale Feb. 29, '64; wd. in action at Green Plains, Bermuda Va., May 20,
'64; pr. to 1st corp. Oct. 29, '64; again wd. in action at Port Fisher,
N. C, Jan. 15, '65; mus. out with co. Aug. 28, '65.
Corp. William F. Green, 22 yrs., farmer, Newtown Square; mus. as priv. Oct.
9,* 01, for 3 yrs.; pr. to corp. April 16, '62; vet; re-mus. March 16, '64,
to date Feb. 29, '64; wd. in action at Green Plains, Belmuda Hd., Va.,
May 20, '64; dis. at U. S. Hosp., Philadelphia, on acct. of wds., July
10. '65.
Corp. James B. Newell, 18 yrs.; engineer, Chester; mus. as priv. Oct. 9,* '61,
for 3 yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; pr. to corp,
date unknown: mus. out with co. Aug. 28, '65.
Corp. George H. Barton, 18 jrrs., fisherman, Linwood ; mus. as priv. Oct. 9,*
'61, for 3 yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; pr. to
corp. date unknown ; mus. out with co. Aug. 28, '65.
Corp. James Groflf, 18 yrs., farmer, Kellyville; mus. as priv. Oct. 9,* '61, for 3
yrs; vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; pr. to corp. date
unknown; wd. in action at Strawberry Plains, Va., Aug. 16, '64; mus
out with CO. Aug. 28. '65.
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550 HISTORY OF THE NINETT^EVBNTH REGIMENT.
Corp. Charles Stewart 24 yrs., farmer, Ridley ; mus. as priv. Oct., 9,* '61, for 8
yrs.; veL; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Jan. 1, '64; wd. in action at
Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64 ; pr. to corp. date uDknown;
mus. out with co. Aug. 28, '65.
Corp. Jabez Travis, 18 yrs., farmer, Chester; mus. as priv. Oct. 9,* '61, for 3
yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; pr. to corp. date
unknown; mus. out with co. Aug. 28, '65.
Corp. Francis Todd, 18 yrs., weaver, Chester; mus. as priv. Oct. 9,* '61, for 3
yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; wd. in action at
Fort Fisher, N. C, Jan. 15, '65 ; pr. to corp. July 24, '65 ; mus. out with
CO. Aug. 28, '65. [Re-enlisted in U. S. Army.]
Musician John Parsons, Jr., 30 yrs., cutler. Media; rect ; mus. as priv. Dec. 24,
'61, for 3 yrs.; ap. fifer Jan. 11, '62; vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date
Feb. 29, '64; pr. to principal musician March 1, '64.
Musician Harry Hunter, 18 yrs., farmer, Chester; mus. Oct 15, '61, for 3 yrs.;
died of chron. diarr. at Hilton Head, S. C, April 1, '62.
Musician William T. Thompson, 18 yrs., farmer, Linwood; mus. Oct 9,* '61,
for 3 yrs.; ap. musician April 10, '62; vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date
Feb. 29, '64; mus. out with co. Aug. 28, '65. [Died at home of consump-
tion Sept 18, '66.]
Musican Charles H. Dickerson, 16 yrs., drummer. West Chester; rec't; mus.
Jan. 22, '63, for 3 yrs.; joined co. Feb. 22, '63; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Teamster Amos G. Webb, 27 yrs., farmer, Newtown Square; mus. Oct 19, '61,
for 3 yrs.; died of typhoid fever at Beaufort, S. C, July 6, '62.
Teamster William J. Dunlap, 25 yrs., wheelwright, Kelly ville; mus. as priv.
Oct 9, '61, for 3 yrs.; ap. teamster July 15, '62; wd. in action at Cold
Harbor, Va., June 6, '64; mus. out Oct 29, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Carney, Henry, 46 yrs., millwright, Oakdale; rec't; mus. Dec. 24, '61, for
3 yrs.; joined co. Jan. 16, '62; dis. on surg. cert, at Morris Island, 8. C,
Sept 27, '63.
Priv. Dicker, William R., 27 yrs., farmer, Newtown Square; mus. Oct 15, '61,
for 3 yrs.; died of consumption on transport, James River, Va., June 18, '64.
Priv. Donovan, James, 19 yrs., laborer. Glen Mills; mus. Oct. 9,* '61, for 3 yre.;
vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; wd. in action at Green
Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64; dis. at U. S. Hosp., Alexandria,
Va., on icct of wds. June 7, '65.
Priv. Duffey, Vincent, 17 yrs., farmer, Chatham; mus. Oct 9,* '61, for 3 yrs.;
vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Jan. 1, '64; deserted while on vet
furlough; apprehended and tried by gen. court-martial; sentenced to con-
finement at hard labor for 12 mos. and to forfeit all pay and bounty doe
and $12 per month pay for that period; G. O. 13, hd.-qrs. 2d div., 10th
corps, June 3, '65.
Priv. Edwards, Thomas, 31 yrs., farmer, Oakdale; mus. Oct 9, '61, for 3 yrs.;
dis. on surg. cert, at Hilton Head, S. C, Oct 27, '62.
Priv. Everman, Evan H., 37 yrs., lumberman, Newtown Square; mus. Oct 9,*
'61, for 3 yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; wd. in
trenches near Petersburg, Va., June 24, '64; died of wds. at Filbert
St Hosp., Philadelphia, Aug. 1, '64.
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ROSTEB AND RECORD OF SERVICE; COMPANY I.
551
Priv. Finley, Patrick, 26 yrs., laborer, Chester; rec^t; mus. Dec. 20, ^61, for 3
yrs.; joined co. Jan. 16, '62; dis. on surg. cert, at U. S. Hosp. Sept. 3, '64.
Priv. Gaul, David W., 42 yrs., farmer, Leiperville; mus, Oct. 9,* '61, for 3 yrs.;
veL; re-mu8. March 16, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; .killed in action at Green
Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64.
Priv. Gray, John, 18 yrs., jeweler, Providence, R. I.; mus. Oct. 9,* '61, for 3
yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; mus. out with co.
Aug. 28, '66.
Priv, Gutterson, William S., 21 yrs., fisherman, Linwood; mus. Oct. 9,* '61, for
3 yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Jan. 1, '64; killed in action at
Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64.
Priv. Harrigan, Daniel, 20 yrs., factory operative. Upland; mus. Oct. 9,* '61,
for 3 yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; wd. in action
at Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64; tr. to Vet. Res. Corps
by order of War Dept. May 16, '66.
Priv. Harris, Nathan T., 22 yrs., wheelwright, Schuylkill Co.; mus. Nov. 7, '61,
for 3 yrs.; died of typhoid fever at Hilton Head, S. C, May 12, '62.
Priv. Home, Caleb, 21 yrs., farmer, Oakdale; rec't; mus. Dec. 31, '61, for 3 yrs.;
died at U. S. Hosp., David's Island, N. Y., June 27, '64; bu. in Cypress
Hill Cem., L. I., grave 1,006.
Priv. Irwin, Sanford, 18 yrs., farmer, res. unknown; mus. Oct. 24, '61, for 3 yrs.;
difl. on writ of habeas corpus by Hon. Judge Haines, at West Chester, Oct.
• 28, '61,- on acct. of minority.
Priv. Lafferty, James, 26 yrs., weaver, Philadelphia; mus. Oct. 19, '61, for 3
yrs.; dis. on surg. cert, at Fernandina, Fla., April 10, '64.
Priv. Leidtke, Frederick W., 26 yrs., oc. and res. unknown; rec't; mus. Feb. 3,
'62, for 3 yrs. [Not on mus. -out roll.] [Discharged to receive pro-
motion to 2d lieut. Co. G, 11th P. V., Aug. 28, '62.— Bates' State
History.]
Priv. Likens, Daniel W., 20 yrs., farmer, Linwood; mus. Sept 21, '61, for 3 yrs.;
wd. in action at Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64; again
wd. in action at Darby Town Road, Va., Oct. 27, '64; mus. out Oct. 29,
'64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Lindsay, Henry P., 20 yrs., farmer, Edgemont; mas. Oct. 9,* '61, for 3
yrs.; vet.; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Jan. 1, '64; mus. out with co.
Aug. 28, '66.
Priv. Lynch, James, 32 yrs., farmer, Springfield; mus. Oct. 17, '61, for 3 yrs.;
dis. on surg. cert, at Fernandina, Fla., Dec. 22, '63.
Priv. Maloney, James F., 18 yrs., factory operative. Upland; rec't; mus. Dec.
27, '61, for 3 yrs.; joined co. Jan. 16, '62; dis. on surg. cert, at Fernan-
dina, Fla., Oct 12, '63.
Priv. Marshall, Enos, 37 yrs., fisherman, Linwood; mus. Sept. 21, '61, for 3 yrs ;
dis. on surg. cert, at Hilton Head, S. C, Sept. 27, '62.
Priv. Matthews, Michael H., 19 yrs., waterman, Leiperville; mus. Oct. 9,* '61,
for 3 yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Jan. 1, '64; mus. out with
CO. Aug. 28, '66.
Priv. McCabe, James, 38 yrs., weaver, Chester; rec't; mus. April 3, '62, for 3
yrs.; mus. out April 3, '66, at exp. of term.
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552 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
Priv. McDermott, John, 18 yrs.. farmer, Newtown Square; mus. Oct. 9,* '61,
for 3 yrs.: vet.; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; wd. in action
at Fort Fisher, N. C, Jan. 15, '66; ab. at mus. out; sick in U. S. Hosp.,
Fortress Monroe, Va.; since June 16, '65.
Priv. McNeil, William, 19 yrs., farmer, Philadelphia; mus. Sept. 21, '61, for 3
yrs.; mus. out Oct. 21, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Moore, James C, 44 yrs., farmer. Upper Oxford ; mus. Oct. 9,* '61, for 3
yrs.; vet.; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Jan. 1, '64; sick at post bosp.,
Raleigh, N. C; since May 19, '65; dis. by G. 0. July 19, '65.
Priv. Morris, William R., 28 yrs., weaver, Chester; rec't; mus. March 2t, '62,
for 3 yrs. [Not on mus. -out roll]
Priv. Nuttle, David T., 21 yrs., boatman, Chester; mus. Oct. 9,* '61, for 8 yrs.;
vet.; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Jan. 1, '64; deserted at Bermuda fld.,
Va., about July, '64, arrested, tried and sentenced by court-martial to
confinement at bard labor for 12 mos., and to forfeit $12 per month for
that time; G. O. 13, hd.-qrs. 2d div., 10th corps, June 3, '65; ab. in con-
finement at mus. out.
Priv. Pine, William, 36 yrs., teamster, Marcus Hook; mus. Sept. 16, '61, for 3
yrs.; died at De-Camp Hosp., David's Island, N. Y., Oct. 11, '64; ba. in
Cypress Hill Cem., L. I.
Priv. Richardson, John J., 18 yrs., fisherman, Linwood; mus. Sept. 16, '61, for
3 yrs.; wd. in trenches near Petersburg, Va., July 15, '64; mus. out Oct.
29, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Rigby, Enoch H., 30 yrs., fisherman, Linwood; mus. Sept. 16, '61, for 3
yrs.; mus. out Oct. 29, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Rodgers, Herbert, 19 yrs., waterman, Marcus Hook; mus. Sept 21, '61,
for 3 yrs.; vet.; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Jan. 1, '64; wd. in action
at Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64; dis. on acct of wds. at
U. S. Hosp., Washington, D. C, May 4, '65.
Priv. Sharp, Joseph, 20 yrs., farmer. Media; mus. Oct. 9,* '61, for 3 yrs.; veL;
re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Jan. 1, '64; mus. out with co. Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Shutt, John, 19 yrs., fisherman. Lazaretto; mus. Oct. 9,* '61, for 3 yrs.
vet.; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; wd. in action at Green
Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64; died of wds. at Hampton Hosp,
Fortress Monroe, Va., July 14, '64.
Priv. Simpson, David, 22 yrs., farmer, Philadelphia; mus. Oct. 9,* '61, for 3
yrs.; vet; remus. March 16, '64, to date Jan. 1, '64 ; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.;
Priv. Taylor, John. 43 yrs., fisherman, Marcus Hook; mus. Sept. 21, '61, for 3
yrs.; dis. on surg. cert, at Seabrook Island, S. C, June 2Y, '63.
Priv. Thomas, Evan, 18 yrs., blacksmith, Newtown Square; mus. Oct 19, '61,
for 3 yrs.; dis. on writ of habeas corpus by Hon. T. Haines, at West
Chester, Oct. 24, '61, on acct. of minority.
Priv. Todd, Jonathan, 42 yrs, spinner, Chester; rec't; mus. Jan. 24, '62, for 3
yrs.; joined co. April 6, '62; tr. to Vet. Res. Corps Oct. 31, '63, by 0. 0.
3T, War Dept.
Priv. Tompkins, Samuel J., 18 yrs., fisherman, Linwood; mus. Oct. 9,* '61, for 3
yrs.; vet.; re-mus. March 16, -64, to date Feb. 29, '64; wd. in action at
Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
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ROSTER AND RECORD OP SERVICE; COMPANY I. 553
PnV. Ward, John, 18 yrs., farmer, Springfield; mus. Sept. 21, ^61, for 3 yre.;
died of chron. diarr. at U. S. Hosp., Fort Schuyler, N. Y., Oct. 28, '63.
Pn>. Ward, William H., 20 yrs, blacksmith, Ridley; mus. Oct. 9,* 61, for 3
yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; mus. out with co.
Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Walraven, Richard, 23 yrs., farmer, Chester; mus. Sept. 21, '61, for 3 yrs.i
wd. in action at Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64; mus. out
Oct. 29, '64. at exp. of term.
Priv. Wood, Isaac, 42 yrs., farmer. Media; mus. Oct. T, '61, for 3 yrs.; killed by
shell in trenches near Petersburg, Va., July 29, '64.
Since joined — Drafted and Substitutes.
Corp. Owen L. Smith, drafted, July 24, '63, for 3 yrs.; pr. to corp. date unknown ;
mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Corp. Adolph Fry, drafted, Oct. 23, '63, for 3 yrs.; pr. to corp. date unknown;
wd. with loss of arm in action at Fort Fisher, N. C, Jan. 15, '65; dis. on
acct. of wds. at TJ. S. Hosp., May 20, '65.
PnV. Abner, John, drafted, Feb. 27, '65, for 3 yrs.; deserted Aug. 22, '65.
Priv. Armstrong, George, drafted, Jan. 19, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65. .
Priv. Armstrong, Joseph, sub., March 1, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Angler, Francis, sub., March 1, '65. for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Baker, William H., drafted, Sept. 22, '63, for 3 yrs.; died of phthisis at
Hilton Head, S. C, Aug. 2, '64.
Priv. Barnes, William, sub., March 2, '65, for 3 yrs., deserted Aug. 16, '65.
Priv. Barthelle, Lewis, sub., March 2, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Berry, Robert, sub., Nov. 22, '64, for 1 yr; mus. out Aug. 28, '65. '
Priv. Betts, Loomis, sub., March 1, '65, for 1 yr.; dis. May 3, '65.
Priv. Brontzman, Martin, drafted, Sept. 23, '63, for 8 yrs.; wd. in action at
Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64 ; ab. at mus. out at U. S.
Hosp., Point Lookout, Md., on acct. of wds.; since May 20, '64.
Priv. Brooks, John H., drafted, Oct. 22, '63, for 3 yrs.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
[Since died.]
Priv. Brown, Charles, drafted, Sept. 24, '63, for 3 yrs.; dis. June 15, '65.
Priv. Camp, Sylvester, drafted, Feb. 4, '65, for 1 yr.; dis. June 25, '65.
Priv. Chapin, William N., drafted, Sept. 28, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. June 28, '65.
Priv. Clark, Philip, drafted, July 24, '63, for 3 yrs.; wd. in trenches near Peters-
burg, Va., June 16, '64; again wd. in action at Strawberry Plains, Va.,
Aug. 16, '64; ab. at mus. out at U. S. Hosp., Newark, N. J., on acct. of
wds.; since Aug. 16, '64.
Priv. Cole, Elias, drafted, Sept. 22, '63, for 3 yrs.; wd. in action at Green
Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64; dis. May 3, '65, on acct. of wds.
Priv. Cole, John, drafted, Jan. 18, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Conn, Thomas, drafted, July 24, '63, for 3 yrs.; ab sick at mus. out.
Priv. Connelly, William, drafted, July 24. '63, for 3 yrs.; deserted June 3, '64.
Priv. Crosby, James, drafted, Sept. 24, '63. for 3 yrs.; deserted Feb. 11, '64.
. Priv. Crowley, Daniel, drafted, Oct. 23, '63, for 3 yrs.; deserted Aug. 14, '64.
Priv. Davis, William, drafted, July 24, '63, for 3 yrs.; wd. in action at Green
Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Demery, Richard, sub., Feb. 28, '65, for 3 yrs.; deserted May 30, '65.
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654 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
Priv. Donnelly, James, drafted, Sept. 23, '63, for 3 yrs.; killed in action at Green
Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64.
Priv. Donnelly, William, sub., July 7, '64, for 3 yrs.; dis. July 16, '65.
Priv. Donovan, John; rec't; mus. April 5, '64, for 3 yrs., joined co. May 2, '64;
wd. in trenches near Petersburg, Va., July 16, '64; tr. to Vet Res. Corps
March 4, '66; dis. May 29, '66.
Priv. Foster, Philander, drafted, Jan. 11, '66, for 1 yr.; died of debility at Ra-
leigh, N. C, July 6, '66.
Priv. Frace, George, drafted, Nov. 11, '64, for 1 yr.; died of typhoid fever at
Raleigh, N. C, May 13, '65.
Priv. Gilligan, Peter, sub., Feb. 28, '66, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '66.
Priv. Girton, John A., sub., March 1, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '66.
Priv. Goodrich, Peter, drafted, Sept. 1, '63, for 3 yrs.; deserted Dec. 14, '63;
capt'd Dec. 16, '63; executed for desertion Feb. 27, '64, in conformity
with sentence of gen. court-martial.
Priv. Haeley, Michael, sub., March 1, '66, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Haines, Isaac D., drafted, July 24, '63, for 3 yrs.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Halderman, Aaron, sub., March 1, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Harris, Charles L., drafted, Oct. 22, '63, for 3 yrs.; deserted Oct., '64.
Priv. Hawk, Dennis, drafted, Nov. 11, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. June 10, '65.
Priv. Helm, Edward; rec't; mus. Feb. 22, '65, for 1 yr.; dis. June 6, '66.
Priv. Henn, Philip, drafted, Sept. 21, '63, for 3 yrs.; wd. in action at Green
Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64 ; dis. on acct. of wds. June 23, '65.
Priv. Holley, Benjamin, sub., Oct. 29. '64, for 1 yr.; mus. oat Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. John, August, sub., Aug. 24, '64, for 1 yr ; dis. June 28, '65.
Priv. Johnson, Peter, drafted, July 28, '63, for 3 yrs.; deserted Aug. 21, '64.
Priv. Kelly, Levi, drafted, Feb. 23, '66, for 1 yr.; dis. June 21, '65.
Priv. Kneedler, Christian, drafted, Sept. 26, '63, for 3 yrs.; deserted Sept 16, '64.
Priv. Krisell, John, drafted, Sept. 22, '63, for 3 yrs.; killed in trenches near Pe-
tersburg, Va., July 16, '64.
Priv. Lawrence, Daniel, drafted, Sept. 22, '64, for 3 yrs.; dis. June 28, '65.
Priv. Lewis, James, drafted, Sept. 23» '63, for 3 yrs.; wd. in action at Green
Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64; deserted July, '64.
Priv. Luiher, Thomas, sub., Aug. 31, '64, for 3 yrs.; dis. July 7, '65.
Priv. Mahoney, Dennis, drafted, July 30, '63, for 3 yrs.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Mahoney, James, drafted, July 24, '63, for 3 yrs.; wd. in action at Darby
Town Road, Va., Oct. 27, '64; mus. out Aug. 28, '66.
Priv. Marmyer, William, drafted, Sept. 10, '63, for 3 yrs.; deserted Jan. 1, '64.
Priv. McKuwen, Alexander G., drafted, July 24, '63, for 3 yrs.; wd. in action at
Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64; ab. on acct of wds. at
mus. out
Priv. McMulligan, Charles, drafted, Nov. 16, '64, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. McStraw, Robert W., drafted, Nov. 11, '64, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug.
28, '66.
Priv. Miller, Peter, drafted, Oct 23, '63, for 3 yrs.; mus. out Aug. 28, '66.
Priv. Morris, William, sub., Feb. 27, '66, for 3 yrs.; deserted Aug. 22, '65.
Priv. Myers, Joseph E., drafted, July 22, '63, for 3 yrs.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Naughton, John, sub., Sept. 23, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. June 16, '66.
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ROSTER AND RECORD OP SERVICE; COMPANY I. 555
Priv. Patton, Howard L., drafted, Sept. 23, '63, for 3 yrs.; deserted June 2, '64.
Priv. Powell. David, drafted, July 23, '64, for 1 yr.; wd. in action at Fort
Fibber, N. C, Jan. 15, '66; dis. June 10, '66.
Priv. Pride, Adam S., drafted, Nov. 11, '64, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Rhein, Michael, drafted, Oct. 22, '63, for 3 yrs.; tr. to let Regt., U. S. A.,
Aug. 6, '64.
Priv. Ripple, John, sub., March 3, '66, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Rodgers, Thomas, drafted, Nov. 16, '64, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '66.
Priv. Sage, Henry, drafted, Sept. 26, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. June 28, '66.
Priv. Scblott, Henry, drafted, July 13, '63, for 3 yrs.; deserted July 30, '65.
Priv. Schnitzel, John, drafted, July 26, '63, for 3 yrs.; mus out Aug. 28, '66.
Priv. Shaffer, Elijah, drafted, Nov. 11, '64, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '66.
Priv. Sipe, Jacob, drafted, Nov. 16, '64, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '66.
Priv. Slutter, Levi T., drafted, Sept. 20, '63, for 3 yrs.; mus. out Aug. 28, '66.
Priv. Solverson, Swen, drafted, July 20, '63, for 3 yrs.; wd. in action at Peters-
burg Mine, Va., July 30. '64; died of wds. at field hosp. Aug. 3, '64.
Priv. Spencer, John J., sub., Nov. 25, '64, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28,- '66.
Priv. Stiles, Alfred, sub., Nov. 22, '64, for 3 yrs.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Stock, Franklin, sub., Nov. 26, '64, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '66.
Priv. Swartz, Philip, drafted, Nov. 11, '64, for 1 yr.; killed in action at Fort
Fisher, N. C, Jan. 16, '65.
Priv. Thomas, James, drafted, Sept. 27, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. June 28, '65.
Priv. Vath, George, drafted, July 30, '63, for 3 yrs.; ab. sick at mus. out.
Priv. Vreiland, Franklin, drafted, Sept. 21, '63, for 3 yrs.; tr. to Yet. Res. Corpb
Oct. 25, '64.
Priv. Wagoner, Jacob, drafted, Nov. 16, '64, for 1 yr.; died of heart disease at
Portsmouth Grove Hdsp., L. I., July 20, '66.
Priv. Waterman, Willard, drafted, Nov. 11, '64, for 1 yr.; died of chron. diarr.
at Raleigh, N. C, May 21, '66 ; bu. in Nat Cem.. sec. 20, grave 2.
Priv. Watts, Israel, sub., March 1, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Waugaman, Robert, drafted, Sept. 21, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. June 28, '66.
Priv. Welser, Gkorge A., drafted, Nov. 16, '64, for 1 yr.; deserted Aug. 7, '65.
Priv. Williams, James, sub., Sept. 1, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. June 28, '66.
Priv. Williams, John (1st), drafted, Oct. 22, '63, for 3 yrs.; mus. out Aug. 28, '66.
Priv. Williams, John (2d), drafted, Sept. 23, '63, for 3 yrs.; dis. Oct. 19, '64.
Priv. Wilson, Spencer W., drafted, Nov. 11, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. Aug. 18, '65.
Priv. Young, William W., sub., March 1, '64, for 3 yrs.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
COMPANY K, WAYNE GUARDS.
Capt. William Wayne, 33 yrs., farmer, Paoli; mus. April 19, '62, to date Oct.
29, '61, for 3 yrs.; dis; on account of disability by order of Sec. of War,
Jan. 19, '63.
Capt. Samuel Y. Black, 24 yrs., merchant, Spread Eagle ; mus. as priv. Sept.
28, '61, for 3 yrs.; pr. to 2d lieut. Nov. 2, '61; pr. to 1st lieut. May 3,
'63; pr. to capt. May 1, '64; wd. in action at Foster's Place, Bermuda
Hd., Va., May 18, '64; capt'd in action at Strawberry Plains, Va., Aug.
16, '64; pris'r until April, '65, when par.; ex. and rejoined co. April 10,
'66; hon. dis. at Raleigh N. C, May 4, '66, to date Jan. 29, '65.
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556 HISTORY OF THE NINETT-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
Capt. William S. Underwood, 23 yrs., farmer, Jennerville ; mus. Oct. 19, '61, for
3 yrs.; ap. 4th sergt.; pr. to 3d sergt. May 28, '62; vet; re-mus. March
16, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; pr to 1st sergt. May 3. '64; wd. in action at
Cemetery Hill, Va., June 30, '64; again wd. in action at Petersburg Mine,
Va., July 30, '64; pr. to Ist lieut. Dec. 2, '64; mus. Jan. 1, '65; pr. to
capt. Feb. 28, '65; mus. May 6, '65; mus. out with co. at Weldon, N. C,
Aug. 28, '65.
Ist Lieut. John J. Barber, 30 yrs., clerk, West Chester, mus. April 19, '62, to
date Nov. 5, '61, for 3 yrs.; dis. on surg. cert at Hilton Head., S. C,
March 9, '63. [Re-entered service as priv. in Co. A, 5th U. S. Arty.; dis.
at Atlanta, Ga., Oct. 29, '69.]
1st Lieut. Levi L. March, 29 yrs., painter, Paoli; mus. Sept. 30, '61, for 3 yrs.;
ap. 1st sergt.; vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; pr.
to 2d lieut. May 1, '63; not mus. until '64; pr. to 1st lieut May 1, '64;
mortally wd. in action with loss of leg and arm at Petersburg Mine, Va.,
July 30, '64; died of wds. at Chesapeake Hosp., Fortress Monroe, Ya.,
Aug. 14, '64.
1st Lieut. William M. Sullivan, 21 yrs., farmer, Warren Tavern; mus. as priv.
Dec. IT, '61, for 3 yrs.; pr. to corp. Oct 2T, '63; veL; re-mus. March 16»
'64, to date Feb. 29, '64; pr. to sergt. Sept 21, 64; pr. to 1st sergt Dec.
2, '64; pr. to 1st lieut Feb. 28. '65, mus. May T, '65; mus. out with co-
at Weldon, N. C, Aug. 28, '65.
2d Lieut Marriott Brosius, 20 yrs., farmer, Octoraraville, Lancaster Co.; mus.
as priv. Nov. T, '61, for 3 yrs.; pr. to Ist corp. June 29, '62; pr. to ser^-
May 6, '63; vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; wd. in
action at Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64; com. 2d lieut.
Feb. 28, '65 ; not mus. having been dis. for wds. on surg. cert at U. S.
Hosp., Chester, Pa., Jan. 2, '65.
2d Lieut John W. Thompson, 27 yrs., carpenter, Hopewell Cotton Mills; mus.
as priv. Dec. IT, '61, for 3 yrs.; pr. to corp. June 20, '63; vet; re-mus.
March 16, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; pr. to sergt June 28, '64; capt'd in
action at Strawberry Plains, Va., Aug. 16, '64; ex. and rejoined co. Dec
24, '64; pr. to 1st sergt April 1, '65; pr. to 2d lieut May 26, '65; mus.
out with CO. at Weldon, N. C, Aug. 28, '65.
Ist Sergt James M. Griffith, 21 yrs., engineer. Gulf Mills; mus. Nov. 5, '61, for
3 yrs.; ap. 2d sergt. Nov. 29, '61; pr. to Ist sergt May 1, '63; vet.; re-
mus. March 16, 'H4, to date Feb. 29, '64; wd. in action at Green Plains,
Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64; died of wds. at Hampton Hosp., Fortress
Monroe, Va., June 3, '64.
1st Sergt J. R. Montgomery, 22 yrs., farmer, Oakdale; rec't; mus. as priv. Feb.
'24, '62, for 3 yrs.; pr. to corp. date unknown; vet; re-mus. March 16, '64,
to date Feb. 29, '64; wd. in action at Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Vs-i
May 20, '64; pr. to sergt April 1, '65; pr. to 1st sergt July 18, '65»*
mus. out with co. Aug. 28, '65.
Sergt Reuben Powell Fithian, 26 yrs.. printer, West Chester; mus. Dec-
3, '61, for 3 yrs.; ap. sergt; wd. in picket skirmish James Island, S. C,
June 12, '62; dis. by order of Maj. Gen. B. F. Butler, at Varina, Ya.,
Dec. 2, '64, at exp. of term.
Digitized by VjOOQIC
ROSTER AND RECORD OF SERVICE; COMPANY K. 557
Sergt. David P. Thomas, 38 yrs., farmer, Schuylkill Twp.; mus. Sept. 30, '61, for
3 yrs.; ap. sergt. Oct. 29, '61; dis. oq surg. cert, at Hilton Head, S. C,
Oct. 14, '62.
Sergt. Lewis D. Hayes, 19 yrs., farmer, Coatesville; mus. as priv. Nov. 7, '61,
for 3 yrs.; vet.; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Jan. 1, '64 ; pr. to corp.
Oct. 10, '64; pr. to sergt. April 3, '65; mus. out with co. Aug. 28, '65.
Sergt Patrick McLaughlin (1st), 22 yrs., farmer, Hayesville; mus. as priv. Nov.
4, '61, for 3 yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Jan. 1, '64; pr. to
Corp. April 2, '65; pr. to sergt. July 18, '65; mus. out with co. Aug. 28,
'65. [Re-entered service as priv. in 2d XJ. S. Cav.]
Sergt. Charles A. Meyers, 18 yrs., laborer, Philadelphia; mus. as priv. Dec 19,
'61, for 3 yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Jan: 1, '64; pr. to corp.
Oct. 10, '64; pr. to sergt. April 3, '65; reduced July 13, '65; re-ap. sergt.
Aug. 17, '65; mus. out with co. Aug. 28, '65. [Re-entered service in
6th U. S. Cav.]
Sergt. John W. Farra, 18 yrs., farmer, Elkview; mus. as priv. Dec. 9, '61, for 3
yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; wd. in action at
Foster's Place, Bermuda Hd., Va.. May 18, '64; pr. to corp. April 1, '65;
pr. to sergt. June 1, '65; reduced July 13, '65; re-ap. sergt. Aug. 17, '65;
mus. out with co. Aug. 28, '65.
Corp. Alfred J. Hartman, 23 yrs., farmer, Kimberton; mus, as priv. Sept. 30,
'61, for 3 yrs.; pr. to corp. June 29, '62; vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to
date Feb. 29, '64; wd. in action at Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va.,
May 20, '64; died of wds. at Hampton Hosp., Va., July 3, '64.
Corp. William Taylor, 23 yrs., printer, Hickory Hill; mus. as priv. Sept. 28, '61,
for 3 yrs.; pr. to corp. June 29, '62; mus. out Oct. 28, '64, at exp. of term.
Corp. David S. Christman, 22 yrs., carpenter, Warren Tavern; mus. as priv.
Oct. 3, '61, for 3 yrs.; pr. to corp. June 29, '62; died of pneumonia at
Hilton Head, S. C, Oct. 7, '63.
Corp. Channing Brinton, 20 yrs.^ farmer. Gap, Lancaster Co.; mus. as priv. Oct.
15, '61, for 3 yrs.; pr. to corp. June 29, '62; vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to
date Feb. 29, '64; killed in action at Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va.,
May 20, '64.
Corp. James W. Phillips, 21 yrs., farmer, Chester Valley ; mus. as priv. Nov.
4, '61, for 3 yrs.; pr. to corp. June 29, '62; tr. to Bat. E, 3d XJ. S. Arty.,
Nov. 14, '62.
Corp. Barnett R. Rapp, 37 yrs., coach maker, Warren Tavern; mus. as priv.
Oct. 23, '61, for 3 yrs.; pr. to corp. June 29, '62; wd. in action at Ceme-
tery Hill, near Petersburg, Va., June 30, '64; mus. out Oct. 28, '64, at
exp. of term.
Corp. William E. Davis, 37 yrs., farmer, Spread Eagle; mus. as priv. Sept. 28,
'61, for 3 yrs.; ap. corp. June 29, '62; vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date
Feb. 29, '64; reduced to ranks Sept 27, '64; re-ap. corp. April 3, '65;
mus. out with co. Aug. 28, '65.
Corp. Isaac Miller, 24 yrs., farmer. Gum Tree; mus. as priv. Oct. 2, '61, for 3
yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; pr. to corp. Oct. 10,
'64; wd. in action at Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64; ab.
at mus. out; at TJ. S. Hosp., Pomt Lookout, Md., on acct. of wds.
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668 HISTORY OP THB NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
Corp. B. Lane Schofield, 28 yrs., carpenter, Warren Tavern^ mas. as priv. Oct.
II, '61, for 3 yrs.; pr. to corp. Oct. 10, '64; mus. out Oct. 28, '64, at exp.
of term.
Corp. Henry R. Coates, 27 yrs., teacher, Mullica Hill, N. J.; mus. as priv. Nov.
9, '61, for 3 yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; pr. to
corp. Nov. 28, '64; pr. to sergt. maj. Jan. 1, '65.
Corp. Charles Miles, 23 yrs., carpenter, Glen Mills; mus. as priv. Dec. 9, '61, for
3 yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; pr. to corp. April
4, '65 ; mus. out with co. Aug. 28, '65.
Corp. George H. Harrison, 19 yrs., farmer. Spread Eagle; mus. as priv. Oct. 9,
'61, for 3 yrs.; vet.; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Jan. 1, '64; ap. corp.
April 5, '65; reduced July 13, '65; mus. out with co. Aug. 28, '65.
Musician Casper C. Fafanestock, Jr.; 25 yrs., musician, Paoli; mus. Sept. 28, '61,
for 3 yrs.; ap. fife maj. Nov. 16, '61.
Musician John H. Kauffman, 18 yrs., farmer, Paoli; mus. Oct. 21, '61, for 3 yra;
vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; mus. out with co. Aug,
28, '65.
Musician George W. Smith, 11 yrs.; factor, Philadelphia; mus. Nov. 7, '61, for
3 yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Jan. 1, '64; mus. out with co.
Aug. 28, '65.
Teamster Peter J. Wonderly, 28 yrs., farmer, Unionville; mus. Oct. 15, '61, for
3 yrs.; died of chron. diarr., at Fernandina, Fla., Dec. 4, '63.
Priv. Barber, George, 19 yrs., oc. unknown, Phoenixville ; rec't; mas* Feb. 28,
'64, for 1 yr.; killed in action at Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va.; May
20, '64.
Priv. Beerbrower, Theodore, 22 yrs., carpenter, Chester Springs; rec't; mm
Jan. 21, '62, for 3 yrs.; mus. out Jan. 7, '65, at exp. of term.'
Priv. Beidler, Henry A., 22 yrs., farmer, Chester Valley; mus. Oct. 19, '61, for 3
yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; wd. in action at
Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64; ab. at mus. out; at Conva-
lescent Hosp.; since July 28, '64. [Supposed to have died.]
Priv. Bevan, Thomas R. 18 yrs., farmer, Schuylkill Twp.; mus. Oct. 21, '61, for 3
yrs.; dis. on surg. cert, at Hilton Head, S. C, Jan. 8, '62.
Priv. Brown, Charles W., 19 yrs., tobacconist, Spread Eagle; mus. Sept. 28, '61,
for 3 yrs.; dis. on surg. cert, at Fortress Monroe, Va., Dec. 8, '61.
Priv. Bullock, Isaac, 42 yrs., farmer, Media; mus. Dec, 23, '61, for 3 yrs.; dis.
on surg. cert, at TJ. S. Hosp. Hilton Head, S. C, July 11, '62.
Priv. Cook, Jonathan, 41 yrs., farmer. Spread Eagle; mus. Oct. 15, '61, for 3 yrs.;
dis. on surg. cert, at Satterlee Hosp., Philadelphia, June 21, '62.
Priv. Criswell, Thomas B., 21 yrs., farmer, Hayesville; mus. Oct. 13, '61, for 3
yrs.; died of consumption at Morris Island, S. C, Aug. 18, '63.
Priv. Duey, Morris E., 21 yrs., farmer, Philadelphia; mus. Oct. 15, '61, for 3
yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; wd. in action at
Fort Fisher, N. C, Jan. 15, '65; ab. at mus. out on acct. of wds.
Priv. Famous, John S., 21 yrs., farmer. Spread Eagle; mus. Oct. 21, '61, for 3
yrs.; dis. on surg. cert, at Hilton Head, S. C, Feb. 20, '63.
Priv. Feely, James, 24 yrs., boatman, Bridgeton; rec't; mus. Jan. 6, '62, for 3
yrs.; mus. out Jan. 6, '65, at exp. of term.
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ROSTER AND RECORD OP SERVICE; COMPANY K. 559
Priv. FeDDiDgs, Lawrence, 27 yrs., merchant, England; rec't; mus. Feb. 22,
'62, for 3 yrs.; placed in XJ. S. Insane Hosp., Washington, D. C, bj order
of Maj. Gen. Hunter, and dropped from rolls Aug. 15, '62.
Priv. Foley, James W., 19 yrs., farmer, Kirk's Mills; rec't; mus. Jan. 1, '62, for
3 yrs.; dis. on snrg. cert, at Fernandina, Fla., Dec. 9, '63.
Priv. Francis, Harman, 21 yrs., wheelwright, East Yincent; mus. Oct. 22, '61,
for 3 yrs.; vet.; re-mus. March 28, '64; wd. in action at Green Plains,
Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64; mug. out with co. Aug 28, '65.
Priv. Frock, Lucien, 18 yrs., farmer, Warren Tavern; mus. Oct. 15, '61, for 3
yrs.; wd. in action at Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64;
mus. out Oct. 28, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Griffith, William, 34 yrs., quarryman, Centreville; mus. Oct. 28, '61, for 3
yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; mus. out with co.
Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Gunkle, Charles L., 22 yrs., farmer, Chester Valley; rec't; mus. Jan. 13,
'62, for 3 yrs.; tr. to Vet. Res. Corps July 15, '63.
Priv. Guthrie, John C, 18 yrs., farmer, Jennerville; mus. Dec. 9, '61, for 3 yrs.;
vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Feb. 29, *64; killed in action at Fos-
ter's Place, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 18, '64.
Priv. Hannum, James, 23 yrs., farmer, Oxford; mus. Oct. 21, '61, for 3 yrs.;
vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; wd. in action at Green
Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64; died of wds. at De-Camp Hosp.,
New York, Sept. 20, '64; bu. in Cypress Hill Cem., L. I., grave 1,916.
Priv. Harbour, Thomas, 32 yrs., waiter, Philadelphia; mus. Nov. 15, '61, for 3
yrs.; dis. on surg. cert, at U. S. Hosp., Hilton Head, S. C, May 28, '63.
Priv. Harkins, Thomas, 24 yrs., farmer, Cains, Lancaster Co.; mus. Nov. 4, '61,
for 3 yrs.; killed in action at Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May
20, '64.
Priv. Harner, Michael, 40 yrs., wood chopper, Schuylkill Twp.; mus. Oct. 19,
'61, for 3 yrs.; mus. out Oct. 28, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Harper, Isaac, 46 yrs., plasterer, Hickory Hill; mus. Nov. 4, '61, for 3 yrs.;
wd. in action at James Island, S. C, June 10, '62; mas. out Nov. 3, '64,
at exp. of term.
Priv. Harrison, Isaac, 23 yrs., farmer. Spread Eagle; mas. Oct. 9, '61, for 3
yrs.; dis. on surg. cert, at Hilton Head, S. C, July 30, '62.
Priv. Harry, Amos Y., 21 yrs., farmer, Harrisburg; rec't; mus. Jan. 1, '62, for
3 yrs.; tr. to Bat. E, 3d Regt. U. S. Arty., Nov. 16, '62. [Killed in
action at Olustee, Fla., Feb. 20, '64.]
Priv. Hoskins, Jac^es, 36 yrs., farmer. Red Lion; mus. Nov. 7, '61, for 3 yrs.;
dis. on surg. cert, at Hilton Head, S. C, Jan. 9, '62.
Priv. Jermyn, Burrows, 21 yrs., farmer, Spread Eagle; mus. Sept. 28, '61, for
3 yrs.; mus. out Oct. 28, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Keeley, Sebastian, 43 yrs., fence maker, West Vincent; rec't.; mus. Feb.
6, '62, for 3 yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; mus.
out with CO. Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Lemp, Jacob G^ 33 yrs., tanner and currier, Switzerland; rec't; mus. Feb.
14, '62, for 3 yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; de-
serted while on vet. farloagh at West Chester, Pa., May 9, '64.
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560 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
Priv. Lewis, William C, 32 yrs., painter, Chester Valley; mus. Sept. 30, '61,
for 3 yrs.; wd. in action at James Island, S. C, June 10, '62; dis. on
surg. cert, on acct. of wds. at Hilton Head, S. C, Sept. 11, '62.
Priv. Lukens, Charles A., 19 yrs., farmer, Sadsbury; mus. Oct 15, '61, for 3
yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 16,. '64, to date Jan. 1, '64; wd. in action at
Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64; tr. to 2d bat. Vet. Res.
Corps Jan. Y, '65.
Priv. Manamee, James, 19 yrs., farmer, Reeseville; mus. Oct. 2, '61, for 3 yrs.;
vet.; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Jan. 1, '64; wd. in action at Cemetery
Hill, near Petersburg, Va., June 30, '64; again wd., with loss of arm, in
trenches near Petersburg, Va., July 18, '64; dis. on acct of wds. at
U. S. Hosp., Central Park, New York, June 15, '65, by order of Maj.
Gen. Dix.
Priv. McCann, John, 24 yrs., farmer, Marshalton; mus. Oct 28, '61, for 3 yrs.;
tr. to Co. E, 3d U. S. Arty., at Hilton. Head, S. C, Nov. 14, '62, G. 0.
154, War Dept
Priv. McCarter, William J., 33 yrs., carpenter, Russell ville; rec't; mus. Feb. 7,
'62, for 3 yrs.; dis. on surg. cert at Hilton Head, S. C, July 28, '62.
Priv. McHeury, Samuel, 18 yrs., farmer, Ireland; rec't; mus. Feb. 19. '62, for 3
yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; wd. in trenches
near Petersburg, Va., June 18, '64; dis. on acct. of wds. at Haddington
Hosp., Philadelphia, May 6, '65.
Priv. Mclntyre, Taylor W., 28 yrs., laborer, Coatesville; mus. Oct 28, '61, for
3 yrs.; dis. on surg. cert at Fortress Monroe, Va., Dec. 8, '61.
Priv. Miller, Lewis, 22 yrs., farmer, Jennerville; mus. Oct. 2, '61, for 3 yrs.;
wd. in action at James Island, S. C, June 10, '62; dis. on surg. cert at
Hilton Head, S. C, Sept 11, '62. [Died at home Oct 20, '62.]
Priv. Miles, William, 44 yrs., farmer. West Chester; rec't; mus. Oct 27, '62,
for 3 yrs.; dis. on surg. cert at McDoogal Hosp., New York Harbor,
Dec. 14, '63.
Priv. Moore, William P., 19 yrs., farmer, Parkesburg; mus. Oct 15, '61, for 3
yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Jan. 1, '64; wd. with loss of
arm in action at Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64; died of
wds. at Hammond Hosp., Point Lookout, Md., June 16, '64.
Priv. Noble, Samuel T., 16 jrrs., halter, Philadelphia; rec't; mus. Dec. 19, '61,
for 3 yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Jan. 1. '64 ; wd. in trenches
near Petersburg, Va., July 26, '64; mus. out with co. Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Norton, Joseph Y., 33 yrs., farmer, Paoli; rec't; mus. Oct 5, '62, for 3
yrs.; killed in action at Wier Bottom Church, Aug. 25, '64.
Priv. Phipps, Aaron J., 34 yrs., farmer. West Chester; rec't; mus. Jan. 18, '62,
for 3 yrs.; died of chron. diarr., at Morris Island, S. C, Sept 26, '63.
Priv. Plumley, George W., 20 yrs., farmer. Gap, Lancaster Co.; mus. Oct 22,
'61, for 8 yrs; vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Jan. 1, '64; deserted
at Haddington Hosp., Philadelphia, April 10, '65.
Priv. Raby, Charles E., 18 yrs., rope maker, Philadelphia; mus. Dec. 19, '61, for
3 yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 16, ^64, to date Jan. 1, '64; wd. with loss of
arm in action at Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64; dis. on
surg. cert on acct. of wds. at Point Lookout, Md., Aug. 20, '64.
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ROSTER AND RECORD OP SERVICE; COMPANY K 561
Priv. Rapp, Silas S., 20 yrs., farmer, Schuylkill Twp.; mus. Oct. 16, '61, for 3
yrs.; died of typhoid fever .at Hilton Head, S. C, May 10, '62.
Priv. Shimp, Francis, 18 yrs., farmer, Philadelphia; mus. Oct. 9, '61, for 3 yrs;
deserted at Camp Wayne Nov. 5, '61.
Priv. Smith, William H., 28 yrs., farmer, Willistown; rec't; mus. March 29, '62,
for 3 yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 29, '64; dis. by ord^r of Sec. of War, at
Richmond, Va., June 9, '65, S. O. 291, dated War Dept. June 9, '65.
Priv. Thomas, Henry B., 34 yrs., farmer, Schuylkill Twp.; mus. Oct 22, '61, for 3
yrs., wd. in action at James Island, S. C, June 10, '62; dis. on surg. cert.
at Hilton Head, S. C, March 12, '63.
Priv. Urmy, Daniel, 24 yrs., farmer, New Centreville; mus. Nov. 14, '61, for 3
yrs.; tr. to Bat. B, 3d U. S. Arty., at Hilton Head, S. C, Nov. 16, '62.
[Re-enlisted as veteran and pr. to 1st sergt.]
Priv. Wallace, Johnson, 43 yrs., farmer. Oak Hill, Lancaster Co.; rec't; mus.
Feb. 7, '62, for 3 yrs.; vet.; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64 ;
wd. in action at Cemetery Hill, near Petersburg, Va., June 30, '64; died
of chron. diarr. at U. S. Hosp., Fortress Monroe, Va., Sept. 26, '64.
Priv. Walker, Levi B., 43 yrs., farmer, Fremont, Cecil Co., Md.; rec't; mus. Feb*
15, '62, for 3 yrs.; vet; re-mus. March 16, '64, to date Feb. 29, '64; died
of pleurisy at Oxford, April 18, '64, while at home on vet. furlough.
Priv. White, George, 30 yrs., carpenter. West Chester; mus. Oct. 23, '61, for 3
yrs.; dis. on surg. cert, at TJ. S. Hosp., Hilton Head, S. C, March 27, '63.
[Died of chron. diarr. at Hilton Head, S. C, March 31, '63]
Priv. Williams, Abner D., 19 yrs.; farmer, Londonderry; rec't; mus. Nov. 18,
'63, for 3 yrs.; capt'd in action at Strawberry Plains, Va., Aug. 16, '64;
died a pris'r at Salisbury, N. C, date unknown. [Reported Nov. 2, '64.]
Priv. Williams, Thomas P., 18 yrs., farmer. Doe Run; rec't; mus. April 7, '62,
for 3 yrs.; wd. in action at Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va.,.May 20, '64;
mus. out April 7, '65, at exp. of term.
Priv. Wilson, James K., 19 yrs., farmer, Upper TJwchland; mus. Oct. 22, '61,
for 3 yrs.; dis on surg. cert, at Hilton Head, S. C, July 24, '63.
Priv. Wilson, Joseph C, 37 yrs., mason, Parkesburg; mus. Oct. 21, '61, for 3
yrs.; mus. out Oct. 28, '64, at exp. of term.
Priv. Wilson, William, 19 yrs., clerk, Philadelphia; rec't; mus. April 11, '62, for
3 yrs.; tr. to Bat. E, 3d U. S. Arty., at Hilton Head, S. C, Nov. 16, '62.
Since joined — Drafted and SubstitiUea,
Corp. Casper Rodenbaugh, sub., Nov. 21, '64, for 1 yr.; pr. to 3d corp. June 1,
'65; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Corp. Nicholas, Montey, sub., Feb. 19, '64, for 1 yr.; pr. to 5th corp. July 18,
'65; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Corp. Samuel Rice, sub., Nov 25, '64, for I yr.; pr. to 6th corp. July 18, '65;
mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Corp. Richard Bennett, sub., Nov. 25, '64, for 1 yr.; pr. to 7th corp. July 18,
'65; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Corp. John R. Arthur, sub., Feb. 28, '65, for 3 yrs.; pr. to 8th corp. July 18,
'65; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Adams, John, sub., March 2, '65, for 1 yr.; deserted May 25, '65.
Priv. Aldrich, Eugene, drafted, Nov. 11, '64, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28> '65.
36
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562 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
Priv. Allen, Washington, drafted Sept. 23, '63, for 3 yrs.; wd. in action at Pe-
tersburg Mine, Ya. July 30, '64; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Allen, William, drafted, Oct. 1, '63, for 3 yrs.; wd. in trenches near Peters-
burg, Va., June 25, '64; ab. at mus. out; in U. S. Hosp. on acct. of wds.
Ames, John, sub., Feb. 27, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Arms, William, sub., March 1, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Barnes, John, sub., Sept. 26, '63, for 3 yrs.; deserted Jan. 3, '64.
Barry, James, sub., Sept. 24, '63, for 3 yrs.; deserted Jan. 3, '64.
Beigle, Lorin, drafted, Sept. 28, '64, for 1 yr.; wd. in action at Fort Fisher,
N. C, Jan. 15, '65; dis. June 28, '65.
Bennett, John, drafted, Nov. 25, '64, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Billenger, James, drafted, Feb. 22, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Brogan, Thomas, sub., Feb. 24, '65, for 3 yrs.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Brown, Charles F., sub., Sept. 23, '63, for 3 yrs.; deserted Nov. 15, '63.
Camp, Lester, drafted, Sept. 28, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. June 28, '65.
Clark, Edward, drafted, July 22, '63, for 3 yrs.; wd. in action at Green
Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64 ; dis. June 7, '65.
Clark, Hemter, drafted, Sept. 23, '63, for 3 yrs.; wd. in action at Green
Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20. '64; pr. to corp. April 7, '65; reduced
June 26, '65; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Clark, Henry H., drafted, July 20, '63, for 3 yrs.; wd. in action at Green
Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64 ; dis. on surg. cert, for wds. April
8, '65.
Clark, James, drafted, Sept. 23, '63, for 3 yrs.; wd. in action at Petersburg
Mine, Va., July 30, '64; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Commell, Edward A., drafted, Sept. 25, '63, for 3 yrs.; wd. in action at
Green Plains, Bermuda Hd.. Va., May 20, '64; ab. at U. S. Hosp. at
mus. out.
Cook, John, drafted, Oct. 22, '63, for 3 yrs.; wd. in action at Green Plains,
Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64; dis. on surg. cert. July 10, '65.
Davis, James E.; rec't; mus. Jan. 23, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Dempsey, John, sub., March 3, '65, for 3 yrs.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
, Detwiler, Martin, drafted, Feb. 22, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
, Dixon, Edward, sub., July 24, '63, for 3 yrs.; wd. in action at Green
Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64; again wd. in action at Peters-
burg Mine, Va., July 30, '64; died of wds. at field hosp. July 31, '64.
Drum, Peter, sub., Nov. 29, '64, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
. Duyre, John, sub., Oct. 26, '63, for 3 yrs.; deserted Sept. 1, '64.
, Ebling, Jacob S., sub., March 4, '65, for. 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
, Ebling, John, drafted, Sept. 23, '63, for 3 yrs.; wd. in action at Cemetery
Hill, near Petersburg, Va., June 30, '64; dis. for wds. June 27, '65.
. Esterlee, William, drafted, July 20, '63, for 3 yrs.; capt'd in action at
Darby Town Road, Va., Oct. 27, '64; par. Feb. 22, '65; ab. at Camp
Parole, Annapolis, Md., at mus. out.
. Everett, Robert S , drafted, July 20, '63, for 3 yrs.; ab. sick at mus. out.
. Faber, David, drafted, July 20, '63, for 3 yrs.; wd. in action at Green
Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64; dis. on surg. cert, for wds. June
15, '65.
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ROSTER AND RECORD OF SERVICE; COMPANY K. 563
Priv. FashDer, Beroard, drafted, Oct. 19, '63, for 3 yrs.; ab. sick at mus. out.
Pri\r. Felmelle, James, sub., July 1, '64, for 3 yrs.; dis. June 2, '65.
Priv. Forst, Peter, drafted, Sept. 23, '63, for 3 yrs.; ab. sick at mus. out.
Priv. Fox, John, sub., Sept. 23, '63, for 3 yrs.; wd. in action at Green Plains,
• Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64; died of wds. at U. S. Hosp., Point
Lookout, Md., May 23, '64.
Priv. Gately, John, drafted, Sept. 24, '63, for 3 yrs.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Gensler, John, drafted, Sept. 30, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. June 28, '65.
Priv. Gentry, James, sub., Sept. 26, '63, for 3 yrs.; deserted Nov. 15, '63.
Priv. Githens, Andrew, sub., March 1, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Gray, Philip, sub. March 4, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '66.
Priv. Hahn, John, sub., Sept. 22, '63, for 3 yrs.; deserted Jan. 3, '64,
Priv. Hamilton, John R., drafted, Feb. 22, '65, for 1 yr.; ab. sick at mus. out.
Priv. Handton, Henry B., sub., Feb. 25, '65, for 1 yr.; dis. on surg. cert. June
30, '65.
Priv. Hart, George, sub., Feb. 28, '65, for 1 yr ; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Hayworth, John F., sub , March I, 65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Hilfiger, Oliver, sub., Nov. 21, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. July 18, '65.
Priv. Hurley, John F., sub., March 4, '65, for 3 yrs.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Johnson, George, drafted, Sept. 25, '63, for 3 yrs.; ab. sick at mus. out.
Priv. Kelly, James, sub., Sept. 25, '63, for 3 yrs.; deserted Nov. 15, '63.
Priv. Kramer, Lewis, sub., March 1, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Lafort, John, sub., Oct. 20, '64, for 3 yrs.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Lathrop, Eugene, sub., Feb. 27, '65, for 1 yr.; dis. Aug. 25, '65.
Priv. Lauck, Samuel, sub., Feb. 2T, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Law, Samuel J., rec't; mus. Jan. 10, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. Lewallen, Thomas, drafted, Sept. 23, '63, for 3 yrs.; wd. in action at Cold
Harbor, Va., June 4, '64 ; tr. to 14th Regt. Vet. Res. Corps Sept 22, '64.
Priv. Lyons, Joseph, sub., March 4, '65, for 1 yr.; deserted May 28, '65.
Priv. Malone, Edward, sub., March 4, '65, for 1 yr.; deserted June 1, '65.
Priv. Martin, Charies, sub., Sept. 23, '63, for 3 yrs.; deserted Nov. 16, '63.
Priv. Mayer, Alexander, drafted, Sept. 23, '63, for 3 yrs.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Priv. McElvoy, John, sub., Sept. 23, '63, for 3 yrs.; wd. in action at Green Plains,
Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64; died of wds. at Hammond Hosp., Point
Lookout, Md , June 7, '64.
Priv. McHelany, James, sub., Sept. 23, '63, for 3 yrs.; wd. in action at Ceme-
tery Hill, near Petersburg, Va., June 30, '64 ; dis. on surg. cert, for wds.
June 15, '65.
Priv. McKenny, Alexander, drafted. June 2, '63, for 3 yrs.; wd. in action at
Green Plains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64 ; died of wds. at Hammond
Hosp., Point Lookout, Md., May 24, '64.
Priv. McLaughlin, James, sub., Sept. 23, '63, for 3 yrs.; deserted Jan. 3, '64.
Priv. McLaughlin, Patrick (2d), sub., March 4, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug.
28, '65.
Priv. McVitty, Stephen, drafted, Feb. 22, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '05.
Priv. Meyers, John, sub., Sept. 23, '63, for 3 yrs.; deserted Jan. 3, '64.
Priv. Miller, Henry H., drafted, Feb. 22, '65, for 1 yr., deserted June 12, '65.
Priv. Nichols, Kelsey, drafted, Sept. 28, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. June 28, '65.
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HISTORY OP THE NINETT-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
•throp, James B., sub., Feb. 23, '66, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Jrine, Michael, sub., March 3, '65, for 1 yr.; mas. out Aug. 28, '65.
lonall, Patrick, sub., March 4, '65, for 1 yr.; deserted May 6, '65.
rer, James W., sub., Sept. 25, '63, for 3 jts.; died of dysentery at Fer-
ndina, Fla., Nov. 25, '63.
mer, Reuben N.. drafted, Feb. 22, '65, for 1 yr.; deserted June 12, '65.
>per, Reginal M., sub., Oct. 20, '64, for 1 yr.; died of dipthefia on
>amer Ocean Wave, James River, Ya, Dec. 30, '64; bu. in Nat. Gem.
►rt Harrison, Va., sec. B, grave 112.
rson, Samuel, sub., Sept. 25, '63, for 3 yrs.; dis. on sarg. cert. Aug.
,'64.
Imond, John, sub., Sept. 23, '63, for 3 yrs.; deserted Nov. 15, '63.
3d, Charles F., sub., March 1, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
5d, Romane A., drafted, Oct. 21, '63, for 3 yrs.; wd. in action at Green
ains, Bermuda Hd., Va., May 20, '64; ab. an acct. of wds. at mus. out.
^olts, William, sub., Sept. 22, '63, for 3 yrs.; deserted Jan. 3, '64.
leerle, Charles F., sub., Nov. 22, '64, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
roder, George, sub., Nov. 25, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. July 8, '65.
ers, John; rec't; mus. April 15, '64, for 3 yrs.; ab. sick at mus. out.
pley, William F., sub., Sept. 23, '63, for 3 yrs.; deserted Nov. 15, '63.
fried, Bennett, sub., Aug. 29, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. June 28, '65.
ith, George, sub., Feb. 27, '65, for 3 yrs.; dis. June T, '65.
ith, William A.; rec't; mus. July 15, '64, for 3 yrs. [Not on mus.-
it roll.]
3ke, John, drafted, Nov. 5, '63, for 3 yrs.; ab. sick at mus. out.
omon, Silas W., drafted, Sept. 23, '64, for 1 yr.; dis. June 28, '65.
adman, Joseph, sub., July 1, '64, for 3 yrs ; dis. May 20, '65. [Known
West Chester as "Brandy wine Joe."]
ouse, Aaron W., sub., Nov. 18, '64, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
tton, John, sub., March 1, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
)mp3on, James, sub., Sept. 23, '63, for 3 yrs.; deserted Dec. 14, '63; ap-
ehended Dec. 15, '63; tried, sentenced and executed for desertion at
smandina, Fla., Feb. 7, '64, in conformity with sentence of court-martial,
ompson, James V., sub., Jan. 15, '65, for 1 yr. [Not on mus.-out roll.]
ompson, Hezekiah W.; rec't; mus. Jan. 17, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out
ug. 28, '65.
ngorder, Sylvanus, sub., Oct. 20, '64, for 1 yr.; died of typhoid pneu-
onia at Wilmington, N. C, May 11, '65.
itson, William M., drafted, Feb. 22, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
3aver, Peter, sub., Nov. 26, '64, for 3 yrs.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
Bironch, John, sub., March 1, '65, for 1 yr.; dis. July 12, '65.
ier, Michael, sub., Feb. 23, '65, for 1 yr.; mus. out Aug. 28, '65.
illiams, Peter, sub., March 2, '65, for 3 yrs.; ab. sick at mus. out.
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578 msTORY OP the ninety-seventh regiment.
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STATEMENT OP MOBTALITT AND CASUALTIES.
579
Shot in abdomen.
Hamp. Hosp., Ft. Monroe.
In charge upon enemy.
Chr. diarr., Femandina.
Dis. at U. 8. Hosp., Phila.
On hosp. boat George Leary.
Tr. to Vet. Res. Corps.
Chr. diarr., Beaufort, 8. C.
Pr. Corp., sergt.
In trenches at Ft. Wagner.
Pr. Corp.
Chr. diarr.. New York.
U. 8. Hosp., Alexandria.
Dis. hosp., Smithfield, N.C.
In trenches. [pris*r.
Capt'd Aug. 16, '64; died a
Dis. U. 8. Hosp., Chester.
Phthisis pul., Hilton Head.
Chr. diarr., Femandina.
Captured, 1.
U. 8. Hosp., Point of Rocks.
Dis. U. 8. Hosp., Phila.
At U. 8. Hosp., Federal Pt.
At post hosp., Raleigh.
Buried at City Point.
Tr. to Vet. Res. Corps.
Dis. U. 8. Hosp., Alex'da.
At post hosp., Raleigh.
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STATEMENT OP MORTALITY AND CASUALTIES.
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582
HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
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STATEMENT OP MORTALITY AND CASUALTIES.
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[until April 10, '65.
Capt'd Aug. 16, '65 ; pris'r
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Pr. 1st lieut., capt.
Pr. 2d lieut.
Capt'd; pr. 2d lieut.
Hampton Hosp. , Va.
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Hampton Hosp., Ft. Monroe.
Pneumonia, Hilton Head.
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584
mSTORY OF THE NINETY-BEVBNTH REGIMENT.
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STATEMENT OP MORTALITT AND CASUALTIES. 686
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686
HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH BEGIMENT.
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RETURN OF THE BATTLE FLAGS. ' 687
CHAPTER XVT.
Return of the Battle Flags, July 4, 1866.
«N July 4, 1866, in response to the request of Gov.
A. G. Curtin, the battle flags of the Pennsylvania
regiments were returned to the custody of the State
authorities for preservation. The occasion was one
of enthusiastic interest in which the citizens of
Philadelphia and the State united to give a grand
ovation to the veterans, who were gathered from
all parts of the old commonwealth to bear their
tattered war-worn banners through the streets to
the hallowed shades of Independence Hall, where they were to
be consigned to the hands of the War Governor who had entrusted
them to their custody at the beginning of the war. It was an
event long to be remembered. The war-worn veterans marched
with the old steady step as when they bore their colors to the front,
and held them aloft amid the iron hail that tore their banners
into the shreds that now floated in the air from their shattered staffs
as they passed along the streets, crowded with hosts of loyal and
patriotic hearts, that were gathered to give their appreciation of
all the sacrifices and toil that had been the cost of the war, in
which these proud banners had been borne aloft to victory and to
peace.
The 97th P. V. was of the number that participated. About
one hundred of the original officers and men of the Regiment met
at West Chester, on the morning of July 4, and proceeded to Phila-
delphia, on the West Chester and Philadelphia Railroad, being
under the command of Brevet Col. I. Price. Upon arriving at
West Philadelphia, they were joined by other members of the Reg-
iment. The line was then formed and the Regiment marched over
Market Street Bridge, thence to Twenty-first Street and to Walnut
Street, where it joined the line of the parade. Col. Price having
been directed to report to Maj. Gen. R. Patterson, to whose division
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588 HISTORY OP THE KINETT-SEVEKTH REGIMENT.
the Regiment was assigned. The parade marched over the desig-
nated route, arriving at Independence Square, at 2 P. M., where the
troops were closed in mass within the enclosure. The regiments
being then called by number, the old and battle-torn flags were re-
turned to the hands of Gov. Curtin to be preserved in safe custody
at the State capital, at Harrisburg.
An effort was made to get an accurate roll of the names of the
members of the Regiment in attendance upon this occasion; but it
was only partially accomplished, as many failed to report their
names to the oflicer in charge of the enrollment, and it was found
impossible to complete the list in the line upon the march. The
following is the list so for as obtained:
Brevet Col. Isaiah Price, commanding 97th P. V.
Brevet Maj. David Jones, late quarter-master.
Surgeon P. J. Nichols.
Drum Major James St. John.
Company A — 1st Sergt. Henry T. Gray, color guatd; Drummer
Willie St. John; Musician Edward R. Eisenbies; Privates David
M. Taylor, John Mercer and William H. H. Starts, color guard.
Company B— Sergt. Gerhard Reeder, color guard.
Company C — 1st Lieuts. Henry Kauffman, Jr., and George W.
Abel; Sergt. Isaac A. Cleaver; Corp. Davis O. Taylor; Privates
Edward Mendenhall, Emmor B. Hickman, William D. Thomas,
John L. Kitts, Francis Hoffman, Asher M. Kinnard and Samuel
A. March.
Company D — Capts. William S. Mendenhall and Isaac B. Taylor.
Company E — Drummer Charles Riley.
Company F — Capt. D. W. Clinton Lewis; Sergt. Thomas Evan
Brown; Musician Thomas St. John.
Company G — 1st Lieut. Gas way O. Yamall; 2d Lieut. William
H. Eaves; Sergt. John Ray, color guard; Corps. Eli B. Grubb and
William H. Cox; Private William H. Snyder.
Company H — Capt. Theodore M. Smedley; Sergt. George H.
Cook; Corps. Isaac T. Massey and Abner Evans, color guard;
Musician Milton S. Taylor; Privates Ezra Sullivan, James G. Ford,
William H. Hardin and John J. Mcllvaine.
Company I — Sergt. Horatio A. Powell.
Company K — Capt. William S. Underwood; 1st Lieut. William
M. Sullivan; Sergt. John M. Farra; Sergt. Joseph K. Montgomery;
Corp. Barnett R. Rapp; Musician John Kauffman.
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PROCEEDINGS IN REGARD TO A MONUMENT. 689
CHAPTER XVII.
Proceedings in Regard to a Monument.
jHILE Col. H. R. Guss was the commanding officer
of tiie Regiment there had accumulated a fund,
from the percentage levied upon the monthly sales
of the sutler, for the benefit of the Regiment.
This ftmd amounted, on June 23, 1864, to about
eighteen hundred dollars. Previous to Col. Guss'
return home it had been forwarded, for safe keep-
ing, to his bank account at West Chester.
On August 14, 1864, there was received from the post treasurer
at Hilton Head, S. C, eighteen hundred and thirty-five dollars and
fifty-two cents ($1,836.62), being the share due the 97th P.* V. of
the post savings upon the settlement and distribution of the fund
at that post. This sum was received of the post treasurer, Lieut.
Col. W. F. Bennett, by Maj. I. Price, and by him paid over to Col.
G. Pennypacker when that officer resumed the command of the
Regiment.
Owing to the large number of casualties in the service, to
loss from discharges, and the muster out of those whose term of
service had expired, but few of the original officers and men would
much longer remain in the service. Not desiring to retain the cus-
tody and responsibility of so large a sum during the active opera-
tions just commenced north of the James, Col. Pennypacker called
together a few of the officers, on August 23, 1864, to consult in
regard to the disposal of the fund. It was then determined to dis-
tribute the^amount in his possession to the several companies of the
Regiment as company fund, to meet the present wants of the men.
Reference was then made to the fund in charge of Col. Guss.
Col. Pennypacker suggested that — inasmuch as the original men of
the Regiment, for whose benefit that fund had accrued, had become
so widely separated and many having fallen in the service, rendering
it impossible to make equitable distribution of it — ^it should be
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590 HiSTwnr w the ninety-seventh regiment.
devoted toward the purpose of a Monumental Fmid^ for the fallen of
the Regiment, to be completed when the war was over. Tins paco-
position was received with united favor. Col. Pennypacker com-
municated to Col. Guss the action of those present upon the sugges-
tion, when that officer forwarded his concurrence in writing and
proposed giving his check for the amount in his hands. It was,
however, decided by the council of officers to let the fond remain
in Col. Guss' possession at interest for the benefit of the object in
view.
There was no further action taken in the matter until the spring
of 1867. A few of the surviving officers of th^e Regiment then met
and it was decided to call a meeting of all the officers for consul-
tation in regard to the erection of an appropriate monument.
Public notice was given through the papers of the district, ap-
pointing the meeting at West Chester, on April 6, 1867. An ab-
stract of the proceedings of that and subsequent meetings held, is
here given:
The meeting, April 7, 1867, was attended by twenty-five of the members. Maj.
Gen. Q. Pennypacker was called to the chair and Brevet Col. Price appointed
secretary. Col. Ouss submitted a statement, in writing, respecting the fund io
his possession, amounting to two thousand and thirteen dollars and ninety-five
cents ($2,013.95), which he placed at the disposal of the meeting. He also sub-
-mitted a communication from Prof. Samuel P. Bates, State Historian, requesting
a sketch of the services of the Regiment. These communications were read
and directed to be referred to a committee on finance, to be appointed.
A committee on finance was then appointed, to have charge of the fund, with
power to invest it temporarily and to pay properly authenticated bills. Col. H.
R. Guss, chairman; Lieut. Col. A. P. Duer and'Capt. William S. Underwood,
committee.
A committee of seven on monument was also appointed, with instructions to
make the necessary inquiries in regard to plans and cost, and report at a future
meeting. Committee: Col. H. R. Guss, chairman; Brevet Maj. Gen. G. Penny-
packer; Surgeon John R. Everhart; Capt William Wayne, Company K; Capt
Jonas M C. Savage, Company B; 1st Lieut G. O. Yarnall, Company G-, 2d
Lieut. Annesley N. Morton, Company I (captain 15th Cavalry.)
A committee was next appointed to have charge of the necessary arrange-
ments for inaugural cerenoonies and dedication. Brevet Col. Isaiah Price, chair-
man; Brevet Lieut. Col. D. W. C. Lewis; Surgeon Pennock J. Nichols; Brevet
Maj. David Jones; Capt. William S. Mendenhall, Company D; Capt. Francis M.
Guss, Company A; Capt. Charles Mcllvaine, Company H; Chaplain David W.
Moore; Maj. Leonard Thomas; Capt. George W. Duflfee, Company I; 1st Lieut.
Emmor G. Griffith, Company C; 1st Lieut John McGrath, Company E; 2d
Lieut. William H. Eves, Company G.
Gen. Pennypacker then made a statement in regard to the fund in Col. Guss'
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PROCEEDINGS IN REGARD TO A MONUMENT. 591
possession, explaining the manner in which it had accrued and the object to
which it was proposed to devote it, which was satisfactory to the meeting.
The chairman of the committee on finance was directed to furnish Prof. Bates,
State Historian, with any information concerning the history of the Ninety-
Seventh Regiment that could be obtained from the records or other sources, and
the chairman of the meeting was directed to transmit to Prof. Bates a copy of
the resolutions as a reply to his communication.
A resolution was adopted, elspressing as the sense of the meeting, that the
monument should be erected by October 29, 1868, the seventh anniversary of the
organization, and that the ceremonies attendant upon the inauguration of the
monument be conducted on that day.
It was also resolved, as the sentiment of the meeting, that the monument —
provided the consent of the county commissioners could be obtained — be erected
in the Court House yard, at the corner of High and Market Streets, in the
Borough of West Chester; and that no contributions to aid in the erection of the
monument be lisked from others than those who have been connected with the
Regiment or identified with its interests.
At the suggestion of the chairman. Brevet Lieut. Col. D. W. C. Lewis was
directed to express the unanimous thanks of the meeting to the Fame Engine
Company for the use of their hall, in which the meeting convened.
The meeting adjourned to meet at Media, at II A. M. on Tuesday, October
29, I86Y.
Pursuant to ac^oumment, a meeting was held at Media, on October 29, 1867.
In the absence of the chairman. Brevet Maj. David Jones was appointed chair-
man pro. tern. The number present was about fourteen. The minutes of the
meeting, April 7, 1867, were read and adopted. Committee on Finance reported
progress through Capt. Underwood, the only member present, who also stated
particulars of interest manifested by members of the Regiment whom he had
met and made inquiry as to authority to collect funds for the monument The
report was accepted and committee continued.
Committee on Monument reported, in writing, the minutes of their proceedings,
by which it is set forth that -the committee, sub-divided, had given attention to
the examination of plans, specifications, etc., and from accompanying reports of
these sub-committees, " That they had visited certain marble yards and ceme-
teries in and near Philadelphia and have come to the conclusion that the money
now in the possession of the Committee on Finance is insufficient to procure such
a monument as would meet the wishes of the Committee on Monument and the
officers of the Regiment. This committee would, therefore, recommend to the
meeting to be held at Media, on the 29th inst., that efforts be made to increase
the fund by soliciting contributions from the officers and membei^ of the Regi-
ment and from friends identified with its interests."
''To this end the Sub Committee on Monument would also recommend that a
committee be appointed, to consist of officers and men of the Regiment, for that
purpose. Of the Committee on Monument it is known that there are those who
have already contributed each one hundred dollars toward increasing the fuod,
and it is earnestly hoped that there are still others of the Regiment who will
do the same." The report was accepted and the committee continued.
The Committee of Arrangements also reported, in writing, submitting a plan of
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592 HISTORY OF THE NWETY-SEVEKTH REGIMENT.
arraDgemeDts for the occasion of dedication, wbich, being accepted, was directed
to be placed on file and the committee continued.
The suggestions of the Committee on Monument were then acted upon, and
it was determined to increase the monumental fund by soliciting subscriptions
from the members of the Regiment. A large committee of officers and men
was appointed, and directed to report at a meeting to be held at West Chester,
on January 6, '1868, to which time and place the meeting then adjourned.
Pursuant to adjournment, on Ji^nuary 6, 1868, the members again convened.
In the absence of the chairman, Brevet Maj. Gen. H. R. Guss was appointed
president pro tem. On taking the chair, Geo. Guss made a few remarks, in regard
to the object of the meeting, for the information of such as had not attended the
previous meetings.
The three standing committees reported progress and were continued. From
the committee to collect funds, the following reported the amounts collected by
them: Capt. Francis M. Guss, Company A, $126.00; Musician Edward R. Eisen-
beis, Company A, $106.00; Private Alexander Chandler, Company A, $10.00;
Private John Mercer, Company A, $5.00; Sergt. W. Nichols, Company B,
$46.00; Corp. Levis T. Beidler, Company C, $30.75; Private Gteorge Walton,
Company C, $10.00; Private Robert A. Wilson, Company C, $12.00; Private
John L. Kitts, Company C, $41.00; Lieut. Isaiah Bird, Company G, $8.00;
Sergt. Joseph H. Walton, Company H, $4.60. Total collected, $398. 85. This
amount was then paid over to the chairman of the Finance Committee, Gen.
H. R. Guss, who duly receipted for the same. The committee was continued in
order to make further efforts and report in April, 1868. The meeting adjourned
to meet at West Chester, on April 27, 1868, at the Green Tree Hotel.
About this time and subsequent to the meeting at Media, Oc-
tober 29, 1867, there had been much feeling excited in the district
in regard to the proposed monument. Several communications in
the papers had assailed the motives of the members of the Regi-
ment, charging "selfishness and an unworthy exclusiveness" on
the part of the Regiment in proiKwing to " erect a monument for
the Ninety-Seventh only." These, though anonymous and ine-
sponsible, were calculated to engender antagonism and animosity,
and tended to place the Regiment and its object unjustly in an atti-
tude of disrespect to those brave men of other organizations who
had fallen in the late conflict. To correct whatever misapprehen-
sion might be created in the public mind by these correspondents of
classic nom-de-plume — ^which concealed neither identity nor juve-
nile inexperience in matters pertaining to the service and its re-
sults— it was deemed proper to present the following statement in
refutation of the charge of selfishness and exclusiveness — setting
forth the fact that want of co-operation alone prevented the 97th
Regiment from joining in the erection of a general monument to
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PROCEEDINGS IN REGARD TO A MONUMENT. 693
all who fell in the service— or gave occasion for this vindication of
the claim of the Regiment to the privilege of devoting its private
fund to the purpose proposed.
Philadelphia, January 7, 1868.
Major Moore:
Dear Sir: My attention has just been called to an article in your paper of
December It, signed " Justicia," in which the purpose of the survivors of the
97th P. Y. to erect a monument to the memory of their fallen comrades, is de-
nounced as a selfish measure, unworthy of the bpave men who served in that
Regiment and a slight to the memory of other equally brave and meritorious
soldiers who fell in the defence of their country, while serving with other regi-
ments.
It is evident that the writer of that article never followed any of those heroic
leaders, whom he names, very far to the front, for no soldier who has dond this
will ever bring the charge of selfishness against any regiment that may propose
to erect a monument to the memory of its own dead. On the contrary, he will
see in such a purpose a most fitting tribute to the memory of all; the most
obscure that may have fallen in the service. The regimental organization is the
soldier's family tie in the service, and when any regiment may be so fortunate
as to have the means of erecting a monument in a suitable locality, there can be
no more fitting tribute to the memory of all, than every soldier will see in such
a one as a regiment may have reared to its fallen dead.
Neither would a soldiery who had followed either of the illustrious leaders
named, have made such reference to the names of Gen. Guss or the brave young
Gen. Pennypacker as must bring the blush of shame to the cheek of every
soldier who reads it, that either of these brave men, or even the humblest man
that served under them, should be subjected to the meanness of the insinuations
that, in our purpose, there was either selfishness or a design to leave unhonored
the names and memory of those other brave heroes who fell serving nobly in
the same great cause and whom we cherish even as our own fallen comrades.
Nearly two years ago an effort was made to raise funds to erect a monument
to the memory of the soldiers who fell during the war who went from Chester
County. The officers of the 97th P. Y. proposed to join in the movement, and
offered to place the amount in* their possession in a general fond for a monument,
provided an amount — ^proportioned to our fund, and our number, to the number
of soldiers from the district — could be raised, say ten thousand dollars in all.
But the effort failed because the soldiers are not rich. There was not sufficient
interest on the part of the ^'Justicia," who, after (as during) the war, leave the
soldier alone in his glory of raising wherewith to erect a monument to the
memory of his fallen comrades.
In thus proposing to raise a monument "to our fallen,'' we forget not other
brave ones who as nobly fell I We only reaffirm the admiration for all these
that we endeavored to show for our brave fallen companions while living, by
going forth with them into the fight for our country's cause, none knowing who
should return I And now — when animated by the cherished and sacred feeling
toward our dead^ that, when the family circle is broken, prompts the bereaved
to place a stone to mark the grave of the missing ones there — are loetohe put
38
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694 HISTORY OP THE KINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
in public arraignment, by some self-styled "Justicia." and charged with "selfish-
ness," when we propose to erect a fitting monument for our dead comrades? As
well might he arraign every husband and father whose means have enabled him
to place a marble shaft over the resting' place of his beloved dead, and publish
him to the world as selfish and exclusive because he has not erected a monument
for other wives or children.
The Stth, in honoring their dead, as they propose to do, can take nothing from
the lustre of the memory of those other martyrs of our country, whose names
are embalmed in the hearts of every surviving member of the 97th, far more
deeply than " Justicia" can write them.
If the People of the county and district shall continue derelict in meeting the
debt they and not the 97th, or any other Begimentf owe to these Immortal
Heroes, in providing an appropriate monument whereon to inscribe their names
also, then soldiers will be found who will do it, and the members of the 97th
will not be behind any others.
Your correspondent E. has made the statement of facts relative to the fund
and the manner proposed by which to increase it, sufficiently plain. It remains
only to repeat that the members of the Regiment are doing this work themselves^
none but members of the Regiment and those identified with its interests being
solicited for contributions or requested to aid to any extent whatever.
Respectfully, yours,
Isaiah Prioe,
Maj. 97th P. Y. and Brevet Col. U. S. Y.
The correspondent E, referred to, presented briefly the action of
the members in regard to the monument with the facts as herein
given.
Public attention being again drawn to the matter, it was thought
possible that a renewed interest might be awakened on the sub-
ject of a general monument, which might result in such action as
would secure the erection of a monument that should be the expres-
sion of the people of the district, creditable to themselves in com-
memoration of the services of all who fell in the contest for the su-
premacy between liberty and despotism in' the land. The propo-
sition, more than two years before tendered of joining in such a
purpose, was now renewed by the members of the 97th P.V.
Pursuant to adjournment, another meeting was held at West Chester, on April
27, 1868, Gen. H. R. Guss in the chair. The standing committees reported pro-
gress and were continued. Committee on Collections reported progress, and col-
lected by Sergt Joseph H. Walton, Company H, $4.75; Private M. W. Mont-
gomery, Company C, $4.00, which was paid to the chairman of Finance Com-
mittee. The committee was continued to report at next meeting to be held at
West Chester, on January 13, 1868, at which time it was expected all the sub-
scription papers would be returned with the amounts collected. The foUowing
resolution was offered for consideration:
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PROCEEDINGS IN REGARD TO A MONUMENT. 696
Besolvedy That the 97th P. V. having determined to erect a monument to their
fallen comrades, and having in possession for that purpose a fiind amounting to
aboiU twenty-five hundred and fifty dollars ($2,550.00), and it being considered
by some desirable to have a general monument erected to the memory of all who
fell in the service of their country from this district, to be contributed to by all
who have an interest in the matter. The members of the Ninety-Seventh Regi-
ment, being animated by a desire to recognize the services and to cherish the me-
mory of all who fell in the defence of our country — again propose to the citizens
of Chester and Delaware Counties to join in such general purpose ; Provided a
fund equal to an amount of which the sum now in possession of, or to be con-
tributed by the 97th P. V., shall be one-fourth part — shall be guaranteed by
some prompt and responsible action on the part of the citizens of the district.
Otherwise Resolved^ That the 97th P. Y. will at once, at the next meeting,
adopt a plan and contract for a monument with the funds in their possession, as
contemplated in the previous meetings of the members of the Regiment.
The resolution and its alternate were adopted, and the secretary directed to
ftirnish Gen. H. R. Guss with a copy for the information of the citizens or
members of other organizations desirous of conferring with the committee of the
97th P. V. in regard to a monument. Then adjourned to meet at West Chester,
on June 13, 1868.
On June 6, 1868, the Secretary had received from Privates David ^
M. Taylor, Company A, and' Robert A, Wilson, Company C, col-
lected by them for monument fund, $41.00, which was paid over
to Gen. H. R. Guss, chairman.
On June 13, 1868, the Secretary being prevented from attend-
ance, the minutes of previous meetings were forwarded to Gen.
H. R. Guss, and afterward returned with the information that but
three members were present and that the meeting was not organized
for want of a quorum.
To the failure of attendance at the meeting appointed for June
13, 1868, may be attributed in a measure the failure of further
action at that time iu regard to the monument The widely scat*
tered members of the Regiment found it difficult to get together
to promote the object which all had at heart. Collections for in
creasing the fund were necessarily limited, owing to the limited
means of most of the members and their isolation from each other.
Those most active in the movement, anxious that whatever action
was taken should be ba$ed upon the broadest feeling of a common
interest on the part of all in the community, to appropriately recog-
nize the services of all who fell in the great cause, had from the
outset expressed their willingness to unite with the efforts of others,
and invited such co-operation as would secure the accomplishment
of the desired object both individually and by formal resolution.
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596 HISTORY OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
But there was no united movement on the part of others that gave
any hope of the consummation of a general purpose, either presently
or remotely. The delay of weeks, to afford opportunity for some
movement toward co-operation, grew into months and even years
in the rapid flight of time. At length it was determined, by those
in whose hands the interests of the 97th Regiment rested, that there
should be no more delay in the accomplishment of the already-too-
long-deferred sacred, purpose. The Chairman of the meeting. Gen.
G. Pennypacker, being upon a visit to West Chester, during his
leave of absence from his command, upon consultation with other
members of the Regiment, determined to call a meeting for further
action in regard to the monument, and directed the Secretary to
issue the following call:
West Chester, Pa., February 3, 1873.
By a resolution adopted at a previous meeting of the members of the 97tb
P. Y., the chairman of the meeting was authorized to call another meeting at
such time as should be deemed advisable. In pursuance of this resolution, a
meeting of the members of the 97th P. V. is hereby called at the Green Tree
Hotel, West Chester, on Saturday, February 22, 1873, at 12 o'clock M.
By order of the chairman,
Isaiah Price,
Maj. 97th P. V. and Brevet Col. U. S. V., Secretary.
At this meeting there were present of the field and staff, Brevet Maj. Gen. G.
Pennypacker, U. S. A., Chairman; Brevet Maj. Gen. H. R. Guss, U. S. V.; Lieut.
Col. A. P. Duer; Brevet Col. I. Price, Secretary; Brevet Lieut. Col. D. W. C.
Lewis; Brevet Maj. D. Jones; Chaplain D. W. Moore.
Company A — Capt. F. M. Guss; Privates Thomas J. Miller, Hailman P. Talley
and James Evans.
Company C — Sergts. Stephen H. Eachus 8nd Isaac A. Cleaver; Corps. C.
Burleigh Hambleton and James J. Dewees; Privates Abraham Cobourn, Elias
0. Griffith, Emmor B. Hickman, Asher M. Kinnard, William H. Speakman, J.
Jones Still, William D. Thomas and Joel W. Van Meter.
Company D — 2d Lieut. J. W. Brooks; Sergt. David W. Morrow; Privates
Abraham Fawkes, William H. Griffith and Walter Pyle.
Company E — Sergt. George L. Smith ; Corp, George Jenkins.
Company F — 2d Lieut. Thomas Cosgriff.
Company G — Capt. Caleb Hoopes; Sergt. Charles Gray; Private Crosley B.
Wilson.
Company H — Ist Lieut. Phares P. Brown; Sergt. Robert Walker ; Privates
Marshall B. England, Abner Evans, Abla C. E. Miller.
Company I — Capt. George W. Duffee; 2d Lieut. George M. Middleton;
Corp. James GroflF; Pioneer William J. Dunlap.
Company K — Capt. William Wayne; 1st Lieut. Job» J. Farber; Sergt R.
Powell Fithian ; Private Isaac Harrison.
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PROCEEDINGS IN REGARD TO A MONUMENT. 697
The Chairman invited Chaplain Moore to open the meeting with prayer, which
he did, impressively invoking for their deliberations the presence of the Mercifu
Father, who had permitted these survivors of the Regiment to meet again
under the auspices of peace and its attendant blessings, with a country restored
to prosperity and progress.
Minutes of previous meetings were then read.
A committee was appointed to examine the accounts of the Treasurer of Fi-
nance Committee, with instructions to retire and report during the sitting.
The Committees on Monument and Inauguration reported progress and were
continued.
That of collection reported the following amounts subscribed: Capt. Caleb
Hoopes, $20.00; Brevet Maj. D. Jones, subscribed by various persons, $100.00;
Private J. W. Van Meter, $10.00. Total subscribed, $130.00, which was directed
to be collected and paid over to the Treasurer, Gen. H. R. Guss.
The committee to audit Treasurer's account returned and reported as follows :
Original fiind, as per minutes of Secretary, April 6, 1867, $2013 95
Paid by committee, as per resolution, same meeting, 500 00
Balance remaining on hand at that date, $1513 95
Amounts collected, as shown by receipts of Treasurer, 448 60
Which sum, at compound interest for six years, amounts to $2795 74
The Treasurer having made return of, that amount as the sum in his hands,
the above statement is respectfully submitted by the committee as their report.
[Signed] D. W. C. Lewis,
Caleb Hoopes,
R. P. FiTHiAN, Committee.
The report was accepted and the committee discharged.
A resolution was then passed, with a vote cf thanks to Brevet Maj. Gen. H. R.
Guss for his care and judicious investment of the funds in his possession, which,
received the vote of every member present.
A motion was then introduced directing that the Committee on Monument
proceed immediately with the erection of a monument with the present fund,
which it was moved to amend as follows :
Eesolvedf That the Committee on Monument be hereby authorized and directed
to 'make all necessary arrangements for having the contemplated monument
erected by October 29, 1873, the twelfth anniversary of the organization of the
Regiment; and that the Treasurer be instructed to pay all bills approved by
that committee and no other ; that the Treasurer, at any time, on the call of
the committee, is hereby requested to furnish an exhibit of the funds in his pos-
session ; the committee to have plenary power in reference to the erection and
inauguration of the monument.
After remarks from several members, the resolution as amended was passed
with but a single dissenting vote. A motion to reconsider was negatived by a
unanimous vote, and the resolution prevailed unanimously.
Maj. Gen. Pennypacker then called Capt. William Wayne to the chair, stating
to the meeting his desire to offer for consideration the resolution that appears on
the first page of the preface to this history. He then stated briefly his opinion
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598 - HISTORT OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
of the sketch therein referred to. The resolution was then passed unanimously,
and followed hj another, offered by Chaplain D. W. Moore, which is also given
in the preface.
Brevet Col. Price then stated his unwillingness to receive any guarantee of
remuneration for undertaking the history, from the funds of the Regiment, but
would consent to prepare and publish the work by subscription, provided suffi-
cient subscribers could be obtained at a price which would cover the expense of
publication. This the members present expressed confidence could be done.
Thirty-two subscriptions were then made and the price fixed at five dollars per
copy, estimated to contain two hundred and fifty pages, the requisite number
to meet expenses being computed at about two hundred.
Bills for printing, etc., were presented amounting to twenty dollars, which,
being approved, were directed to be paid.
Letters were received from Col. Wainwright and Capt. Mendenhall expressing
regret for being unavoidably absent, and assuring the members of the Regi-
ment of their cooperation with the object of the meeting.
Having accomplished the purpose for which it had convened, the meeting ad-
journed, subject to the call of the chairman of the Committee on Monument.
In conformity with the action taken at this meeting the Commit-
tee on Monument held several sessions to consider plans for a monu-
ment, and early in April, 1873, adopted the following, submitted
by Maj. David Jones:
A granite base five feet square and two feet four inches thick, on which
a moulding four feet square by one foot thick rests. Next a die, three feet four
inches square, is placed, upon which the inscription will be wrought, while
on the die a cap moulding is shown, and sub die two feet four inches square
by three feet, six inches high, with segment cap moulding twelve inches in
thickness. On the sub die, festooned State and National flags, with a stack of
muskets, will be carved in bold relief. On this die also rests another moulding
of proportionate dimensions, on which is placed the obelisk fourteen feet high, one
foot six inches square at its base, gradually lessening to its top. On the obelisk,
about midway of its height, a laurel wreath encircling *'9T" in relief is shown.
On the extreme top an American eagle as in the act to soar is placed, which
completes the description of the monument plan proper. The tribute will be
placed upon a terraced foundation about two feet high, around which a granite
octagonal curbing is proposed, surmounted with a heavy iron railing. The en*
closure will occupy about a twelve feet radius, which if the monument be erected
on Market Street, south of Church Street (the proper place), will allow about
twenty -eight feet on each side, ample room for all practical purposes.
On Saturday, May 3, 1873, the committee entered into contract
with Maj, Jones to have the monument completed by the time
specified for the dedication.
It was understood that the order of exercises proposed for the
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PROCEEDINGS IN REGARD TO A MONUMENT. 599
time previously contemplated for the dedication be mainly carried
out by the Committee of Arrangements.
The question of location had been the subject of considerable in-
formal discussion during the proceedings, leading to the general
conclusion that if situated in close proximity to the Court House,
with its towering steeple, the monument, unless of colossal propor-
tion, would be overshadowed by it to a degree suggestive of mani-
fest disproportion. Formal application was therefore made to the
Borough Council for permission to erect the monument in the centre
of Market Street, a few feet west of the western line of its inter-
section with Church Street.
The following transcript from the minutes of the Borough Coun-
cil is furnished for the purpose of a due understanding of all the
circjjimstances attending the application and the action of that
body in the case :
At a regular meeting of the Borough Council of West Chester, May 13, 1873,
* * * A communication was received asking permission for the erec-
tion of a monument to the memory of the dead of the 9Tth P. V., in Market
Street, immediately west of Church Street.
A motion was offered that permission be granted. A substitute was presented
that the matter be deferred until Friday evening next, in order that the property
holders might be heard. The question being taken on the substitute it was
adopted. * * *
May 16, 18T3, special meeting pursuant to adjournment, members of Council
all present. P. F. Smith, J. Smith Futhey, Hon. Washington Townsend, Hon.
William Wollerton, D. M. McFarland, Enos V. Garrett, John Noble, Gen. H. R.
Guss, Evans Rogers, James E. McFarland, E. P. Needles, Col. George F. Smith,
Wilmer W. Thomson, and other citizens also present.
P. F. Smith, Esq., presented a remonstrance against the erection of a monu-
Ynent to the 9Tth P. V. on Market Street, and addressed the Board of Council on
the subject, denying the power of the authorities to permit it to be done. Hon.
W. Townsend replied to Mr. Smith, controverting his arguments, and stating
dimensions of monument; that it would be octagonal probably, the extreme
diameter to be about twelve feet. J. Smith Futhey, Esq., followed Mr. Town-
send on the same side.
Remarks were made by D. M. McFarland, E. Rogers, Hon. William Wol-
lerton, Gen. H. R. Guss and James E. McFarland. After the withdrawal of
these gentlemen, it was moved that the 97th Regiment be granted permission
to erect a monument, to the memory of the dead of said Regiment, in the Bo-
rough of West Chester, in the middle of Market Street, west of Church Street;
the extreme diameter between the sides thereof not to exceed twelve feet. The
motion was carried.
Extract from minutes of Borough Council.
Geo. M. Rupbet, Secretary.
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600 HISTORY OP THE NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
It became apparent that an injunction would be applied for, to
prevent the erection of the monument at the place designated, and
the committee determined to await an amicable adjustment of the
question, it being mutually understood that an informal judicial
decision as to the power of the borough council to grant such per-
mission might be had without recourse to legal proceedings.
The committee were averse to unduly pressing the matter to a
legal test, upon the authority granted by the council, against the
wishes of any citizens; preferring to await the influence of time
and the more favorable judgment of the opponents of the location ;
trusting that these might induce them to withdraw their objections,
when the sober second thought should make it manifest that the
monument, so far from being a disadvantage to their property,
would become an influence of attractiveness, adding both to the
value and popularity of the locality, from the desire of strangers
and visitors to the borough, as well as every citizen, to find in it
one of the chief centres of public, patriotic and historic interest.
The question as to the authority of the borough council in the
matter having been subsequently definitely determined in the nega-
tive, recourse was then had to the Legislature in order to obtain
the requisite enactment to confirm this action.
By the terms of the recently adopted State constitutional amend-
ments touching the power of the Legislature in regard to local
affairs, some of the most eminent legal minds in that body are de-
cided in the opinion that the Legislature is powerless to act in the
matter, leaving it to become apparent that the consent of council
can only be available in the absence of all opposition on the part
of the citizens of the borough.
It is intended that the monument shall be built ! it is hoped^ in
the locality designated, in West Chester^ with the consent of those
who have opposed it. If not there^ then in due season it will be
erected at some other place where the property owners will more
fully appreciate its presence, and more thoroughly understand that
it will continue to improve whatever locality it may occupy, with
a growing value as time shall deepen in the hearts of the people
increasing gratitude for the services and the sacrifices of those who
gave their lives that their country might live.
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INDB2. 601
INDEX.
Abbott, Joseph C, lieut. col. 7th N. H., 171; col., comd'g brig., Ist div., 24th corps, 345.
Able, George W., 1st sergt. co. C, 1st lieut., capt., 86, 373, 486, 588.
Actions, official record of, 875.
Ames, Adelbert, comd'g 8d div., 10th corps, 248. 285, 287, 299, 341, 350. 358, 359, 869.
Ames, John W., col. 6th U. 8. C. T., 358.
Armstrong, John, 1st sergt. co. B. pr. 2d lieut, 21, 22, 143, 475.
Army of the James, 246, 252, 837.
Army of the Potomac, 10th and 18th corps;, transferred to duty with, 285.
Babb, John H., 1st lieut. co. E, 45, 46, 110, 508.
Bailey, James E., maj. 3d R. I. Arty., 167.
Baldwin, Elwood P., 1st sergt. co. H, 2d lieut., 1st lieut., 58, 143, 295, 369, 873, 459, 538.
Barber, John J., 1st lieut. co. K, 66, 67, 131, 148, 556, 596.
Bamum, Prank D., 115th N. Y., 416; capt., 426.
Bartlett, William F., brig, gen., comd'g 1st. div., 9th corps, 310.
Barton, Miss Clara H., 177.
Barton, William B., col. 48th N. Y., 143; comd'g 2d brig., 2d div., 10th corps, 801, 805, 820.
Bates, Samuel P., State Historian, 3, 547, 551, 590, 591.
Battery Strong, capture of; 860.
Bell, Louis, col. 4th N. H., 193; comd^g 3d brig., 2d div., 10th corps, 290, 348, 849.
Benham, H. W., brig, gen., comd'g post, Hilton Head, 109, 128.
Benton ville, N. C, 866, 367.
Bermuda Hundred, Va., operations at, 246, 251, 259, 278, 281, 285, 295, 298, 812, 314, 319.
Bird, Isaiah, 1st sergt. co. G, pr. 1st lieut., 55, 874, 528, 592.
Blmey, David B., maj. gen., comd'g div., 9th corps, 298; comd'g 10th corps, 305, 321,
328, 825, 326, 327.
Birney, David B., order of Gen. Butler announcing death of, 827.
Birney, William, brig, gen., comd'g brig. 0. T.; comd'g provisional div., 814, 816.
Black, Robert L., sergt. co. A, 1st lieut., capt., 18, 113, 878, 464, 566.
Black, Samuel V., 2d lieut. co. K, 66; 1st lieut., 67; capt., 68, 220, 243, 271, 317, 555, 583.
Blockade Runner, capture of, 887.
Boat Drill at Hilton Head, 148.
Borrell, Joseph M., 2d lieut. co. G, 52, 54, 148, 528.
Borough Council of West Chester, extract from minutes of, 599.
Botany Bay Island, S. C, occupied by troops. Col. Guss comd'g, 154.
Braddock's Point, Hilton Head, S. C, 146.
Brannan, John M., brig, gen., comd'g Dept. of the South, 184, 138, 885.
Broad River, Hilton Head, 8. C, picket duty on, 182, 185.
Brooke, Hon. H. Jones, 12.
Brooks, John W., corp. co. D, 218, 214; sergt., 1st sergt., 2d lieut, 373, 497, 572, 596.
Brookf . W. H. T., brig, gen., comd'g 1st div., 10th corps, 253, 289; comd'g corps, 299, 305.
Brosius, Marriott, sergt. co. K, 69; pr. 2d lieut., 556, 588.
Brower, David R., M. D., executive medical officer at Fortress Monroe, Va., 425.
Brower, John H., corp. co. F, pr. qr.-mr. sergt., 342; lieut. and qr.-mr., 870, 378, 460, 520.
Brown, Nathaniel W., col. 8d R. I. Arty., comd'g post, Hilton Head, S. C, 181.
Brown, Phares P., sergt. co. H, pr. 2d lieut., Ist lieut, 61, 842, 857, 374, 538, 596.
Burnett, Joseph T., Ist lieut. co. F, 49, 60, 518.
Burnham, Hiram, brig, gen., killed in action, 828.
Burnside, Ambrose E., maj. gen., comd'g 9th corps, 298.
Burton, Isaac J., 2d sergt., co. A, pr. 2d lieut., 18, 156, 248, 805, 888, 465, 566.
Butler, Benjamin F., maj. gen., comd'g Army of the James, 247, 248, 249, 827, 828, 880,
888, 844.
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602 INDEX.
Cameron, Hon. Simon, Secretary of War; organization of regiment authorized by, 11.
Camp Cooper, Fla , capture of 239.
Camp Everhart, West Chester, 14, 15, 77.
Camp Hamilton, Fortress Monroe, Va., 89.
Cam]) H, .Jones Brooke, 86.
Camp Lamb, N. C, rebel prison pen, 382.
Camp Wayne, West Chester, regiment organized at, 71, 87.
Cape Fear Rivor, entrance to secured, 357.
Carruthers, Henry W., 1st lieut. co. C, 28; adjt., 30, 82, 131, 152, 200, 212; capt., ^43,
286, 316, 437, 459, 566
Cemetery Hill, Va., near Petersburg, 249; action at, 801, 808, 311, 820.
Chapin's Bluff, Va., 323, 336.
Chapin's Farm, Va., 331, 332, 833, 334, 339, 342, 857.
Chapter I. 11; II, 71; III, 93; IV, 111; V, 130; VI, 152; VII, 209; VIII, 246; IX, 273;
X, 299; XI, 338; XII, 377; XIII, 391; XIV, 457; XV, 565; XVI, 587; XVH, 589.
Charleston, S. C, Hunter's operations against, 111, 127, 152, 178.
Chatfield, John L., col. 6th Conn., 170.
Chesapeake Hospital, wounded sent to, 272, 280, 311, 314, 316, 321.
Chester Heights, Va., action at, 254.
Chester Station, Va., action at, 262.
Chevaux-de-frise at Fort Wagner, S. C, 200.
City Point, Va., capture of, 251, 389, 312.
Coan, William B., lieut. col. 48th N. Y., comd'g brig., 305, 809; col., comd'g div., 370.
Cold Harbor, action at, 278.
Companies, organization of, 11.
Company A, 13, 148, 212, 464, 566.
Company B, 20. 112, 146, 475, 567.
Company C, 24, 143, 146, 212, 485, 570.
Company D, 37, 496, 572.
Company E, 44, 146, 212, 508, 574.
Company F, 47, 145, 517. 676.
Company G, 51, 143, 212, 527, 678.
Company H, 55, 59, 212, 537, 580.
Company I, 62, 137, 148, 547, 681.
Company K, 65, 555, 583.
Complimentary Notices, 210, 286, 288, 318, 872.
Complimentary Orders, Williams, 126; Gillmore, 204; Butler, 328; Bimey, 319; Sherman,
336.
Cooper Shop and Union Refreshment Saloons, 84, 85, 872.
Cosgriff, Thomas, Ist sergt. co. F, pr. 2d lieut., 50, 174, 234, 311, 324, 518, 576, 596.
Couch, Darius N., maj. gen., 364.
Cox, Jacob D., maj. gen. comd'g 3d div., 23d corps, 359, 860, 364, 365.
Craven, John J., surgeon U. S. V., 177.
Crow, Dallas, sergt. co. B, com. sergt., Ist lieut., capt., 4, 23, 320, 357, 371, 878, 476, 668.
Cummins, Jesse L., capt. co. G, 31, 110, 527.
Curtin, Hon. Andrew G., Governor of Pennsylvania, 74, 78, 79, 687, 688.
Curtis, N. M., col. 142, N. Y., comd'g Ist brig., Ist div., 10th corps, 288; brig, gen.,
comd'g Ist brig., 2d div., 24th corps, 341, 847, 349.
Daggett, Rufus, col. 117th N. Y.. 341; comd'g 1st Ifrig., 2d div., 24th corps, 359.
Dandy, George F. B., col. 100th N. Y., comd'g detachment, Folly Island, 158.
Darby Town Va., action at, 331.
Darby Town Road, action at, 326.
Darlington, William, Esq., reply to Dr. Worthinglon, 428.
Dariington, William B., adjt. 76th P. V., 95.
Davis, W. W. H., col. 104th P. V., 168, 168, 165, 188.
Dedicatory, 9.
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INDEX.
603
Deep Bottom, Va., action near, 814, 818, 323, 329, 826.
Deep Ran, Va., encamped at, 818.
Defences of Richmond and Petersburg, 290,
Department of the South, 93} commanders of, 96, 107, 184, 140, 145, 157.
Drurj^ Bluff, action at, 261, 262, 264.
Duer, Augustus P., lieut. col., 16. 74, 75, 79, 88, 101, 114, 127, 131, 182, 134, 152, 154, 173,
174, 175, 177, 181, 316, 222, 242, 432, 459. 590, 596.
Duffee, George W., 1st sergt. co. I, 2d lieut., 1st lieut., 64; capt., 65, 248. 262, 308, 324.
356, 357, 874, 547, 581, 590, 596.
Dupont, Samuel Francis, commodore, U. S. N., 93, 94.
Durnall, George IL, sergt. co. H, pr. 1st lieut., 61, 262, 280, 588, 580.
Dutch Gap, 258; canal at, 818.
Dutton, Isaac L., sergt. co. H, pr. 2d lieut.; 61, 874, 580.
Eachus, Ffiancis J., 2d sergt. co. C, pr. 1st lieut., 32, 145, 146, 156, 189, 240, 241, 485.
Edisto Island, S. C, 109, 129, 158.
Eighty-fifth P. v., 158, 177, 188, 164, 195, 259.
Elwell, J. J., lieut. col., chief qr.-mr. at Hilton Head, S. C, 147.
Erwin, Augustus M., capt., 48th N. Y., 372.
Evans, Louis Y., 1st lieut. co. A, 14; pr. capt. co. G, 53, 54, 97, 527.
Everhart, Dr. John R., surgeon, 16, 28, 74, 86, 188, 186, 184, 212, 292, 289, 248. 272, 280,
297, 333, 416, 448, 460, 590.
Eves, William H., 1st sergt. co. G., 2d lieut., 54, 800, 804, 321, 880, 888, 528, 578, 588, 590.
Paisson*8 Station, n! 0., encamped at, 366.
Pawkes. Isaac, 2d lieut. co. D, 40, 228, 280, 496, 572.
Pernandina, Pla., capture of, IH 108, 299, 211, 216, 218; ladies at, 220; 222, 224, 225,
229, 288, 240, 244.
Field and staff, 74; biographical sketches of, 891; roster and record, 457, 566.
Fifty-fifth P. v., hospitality of, 109; 176, 248, 254..
Fifty -fourth Mass., 162, 169.
Filler, John H., maj. 55th P. V., acting aid-de-camp, 176.
Flags, presentation at Camp Wayne, 72; second flag, 321; return of, 587.
Florida, operations on coast of, 104.
Folly Island, 8. C, 153, 159.
Forrest, John F, sutler, 74, 158, 218, 245.
Fort Anderson, N. C, 857; capture of, 360.
Fort Caswell, N. C, 357.
Fort Clinch, Fla., capture of, 103; garrisoned, 212.
Fort Darling, Va., action near, 262.
Fort Fisher, N. C, 838, 846; captured, 347; 855, 356, 357.
Fort Gilmer, Va., action at, 328.
Fort Gregg, 8. C, capture of, 199.
Port Harrison, Va., capture of, 828.
Fort Johnson, James Island, S. C, 168, 178, 182, 200.
Fort McAllister, Ga., 102.
Fort Moultrie, Sullivan Island, 8. C, 168, 178, 182, 200.
Fort Pulaski. Ga., 98; capture of, 100; 143.
Fort Sumter, 8. C, 154, 187, 188, 192, 204.
Fort Wagner, 8. C, 166, 167, 169, 178, 198, 199, 408.
Fortress Monroe, Va., 88, 98, 246, 247.
Foster, John G.. maj. gen., comd*g expeditionary corps, 146.
Foster, Robert 8., brig, gen., comd'g 2d div., 10th corps, 821.
Foster's Place, Va., centre point of Butler*s position, 262; action at 270.
Gage, Mrs. Francis D., and son, in charge of contrabands, S. C, 148.
Gardner, William, 5th sergt. co. C, pr. 2d lieut., 80; died, 88; 101, 102, 147, 486, 670.
Gaston, N. C.,871.
Gibbons, John, maj. gen., comd*g 2d div., 2d corps, 844.
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604 INDEX.
Gibson, W. H. H., 2d sergt. co. I, pr. «d lieat., 64; Ist lieut, 65, 263, 280, 821, 874, 581.
Gillmore, Quincy A., brig, gen., 99; capture of Fort Pulaski, 100; comd'g Dept. of the
South, 157; operations at Folly Island, 8. C, 159, 160; Morris Island, 8. C, 168,
204; pr. maj. gen., 205, 228; comd'g 10th corps, 246, 248, 254, 264, 299.
Gloucester Point, Va., 248, 249. ^
Qoldsboro*, N. C, advance upon, 365, 366.
Granger, G. Fred., col. 9th Maine, comd'g detachment, 339, 858.
Grant, Ulysses 8., lieut. gen., 306, 824, 343, 345, 367.
Green, Oliver D., lieut. col., asst. adjt. gen., U. 8. A., 146.
Green Plains, Va., action at, 273.
Griffith, Abel, 1st sergt co. A, pr. 1st Ueut., 18, 243, 271, 272, 465, 666.
Griffith, Emmor G., 2d lieut. co. C, 26, 27, 28; pr. 1st lieut., 30, 98, 110, 486, 590.
Griffith, James M., Ist sergt. co. K, pr. 2d lieut. 68, 556, 583.
Griffith, John B., Ist sergt. co. B, pr. 2d lieut. 23, 373, 476, 568.
Grimbairs Plantation, 8. 0., action at, 116.
Guss Fencibles Band, 69, 462.
Guss, Francis M., capt. co. A, 4, 17, 20, 106, 131, 134, 145, 148, 212, 272, 464, 526, 590,
592, 596.
Guss, Henry R., col., 4, 12, 13, 75, 117, 124, 125, 131, 132, 152, 154, 161, 162, 188, 198,
209, 211, 242, 259, 285, 296, 296, 298, 392, 451, 589, 590, 592, 594, 596, 897, 599.
Haines, Oheyney T., corp. co. G, pr. sergt. maj., pr. Ist lieut., 65, 322, 342, 356, 628, 578.
Hall, James P., lieut. col. 47th N. Y., provost marshal gen., 188, 219.
Halpine, Charles G., 1st lieut., asst. adjt. gen., 149.
Hamilton, John, capt. 3d U. 8. Arty., 114, 118, 124, 150.
Hamlin, Augustus C, lieut col. U. 8. A., 195.
Hancock, Winfield 8., maj. gen., comd*g 2d corps, 209, 315.
Hannum, Charles H., 2 lieut. co. D, 40, 803, 497.
Harry, David 8., Ist sergt. co. B, pr. 1st lieut., 23, 330, 373, 475, 567.
Hawkins, George W., capt. co. I, 62, 145, 154, 820, 331, 446, 547, 681.
Hawley, Joseph R., brig, gen., comd'g 1st div., 10th corps, 153, 865.
Heckman, Charles A., brig, gen., comd'g brig., 18th corps, 251, 252.
Helper, H. H., superintendent of contrabands, 211, 223.
Henry, Franklin C, sergt. co. A, pr. 2d lieut., 1st lieut., 18, 378, 465.
Hickman, Baynton, J., lieut. col. 49th P. V., visit of, to regiment, 281.
Hicks, John W., maj. 76 P. V., 166. •
Hilton Head, 8. C, 94, 98, 108, 130, 138, 145, 153.
Hoopes, Caleb, 1st lieut. co. G, 52; capt., 54, 182, 218, 528, 596, 597
Howard, 0. O., maj. gen., comd'g Army of Tennessee, in N. C, 367.
Howell, Joshua B., col. 85th P. V., 153, 177, 188, 259.
Hughes, James, 2d lieut. co. B., 20, 98, 475.
Humpton, Lewis B., Ist sergt., pr. capt. co. A, 18, 464.
Hunter, David, maj. gen., comd'g Dept. of the South, 107, 111, 184, 145, 157.
Himtsman, John E., 6th sergt. co. F, pr. 2d lieut., 60, 378, 518, 576.
Independence Hall, 687, 588.
Independent Company, 70.
Introductory Correspondence, 67.
In War Time, 8.
Jackson, Richard, capt. 1st U. 8. Arty., 146; lieut. col., 167, 197, 239, 826.
Jacksonville, Florida, capture of, 105, 106, 107.
James Island, 8. C, 114, 116; action at, 116; 123, 128, 158, 162, 164.
James River, Va., 249, 313.
Jamestown, Va., site of, 250.
James, Washington W., corp. co. G, pr. com. sergt., capt., 65, 374, 628.
James, William L., capt. and act'g qr.-mr., 285, 804, 846.
John's Island, 8. C, 110, 118.
Johnson, J. P., capt. steamer Boston, 4, 98, 208, 881.
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INDBX. 60&
Johnson, Joseph E., reb. maj. gen., surrender of, 368.
Jones, David, 1st lieut. co. H, 57; qr.-mr., 4, 58, 74; post qr.-mr., 181, 155, 252, 248, 888,
460; brev. maj., 588, 590, 591, 596, 597, 598.
Kauffinan, Henry, Jr., 1st sergt. co. C, pr. 2d lieut., 34, 242, 258, 486, 588.
Kautz, August V., brig. gen. cav., 293, 313, 323, 324, 325.
Kent, B, Lnndy, sergt. co. C, capt. co. E, 13th U. 8. C. T., 85, 100, 110, 487, 570.
Kilpatrick, Judson, brig. gen. cav., 366;
Kinston, N. C, operations at, 864.
Kirk, George, sutler, 74,
Knapp, John, 1st sergt. co. I, pr. 2d lieut., 64, 229, 548.
Langdon, Loomis L., capt. 1st U. 8. Arty., 284.
Latta, James W., adjt. gen., Pennsylvania, 4, 500.
Leslie, James H., brig, gen., comd'g 9th corps, 288, 808.
Legareeville, 8. C, 112, 115.
Lemaistre, George A., sergt. co. H, sergt. maj., 58; 2d lieut., 59; capt., 60, 61, 158, 171,
212, 262, 280, 587, 580.
Levengood, Mrs. Nettie, In Memoriam, 97th P. V., author of, 586.
Lewis, D. W. C, capt. co. F, 4, 37, 47, 51, 116, 121, 122, 155, 156, 164, 178, 182, 218, 231,
286, 289, 267, 268, 269, 280, 820, 833, 517, 576, 588, 590, 591, 596, 597.
Lewis, Joseph J., Esq., reception of Gov. Curtin at West Chester by, 79.
Lord, T. Ellery, capt. 3d N. Y., 819, 820, 322.
Lowry, Jacob G., sergt. co. B, 2d lieut, 22, 23, 243, 811, 476.
Malin, Lewis, P., sergt. co. F., capt., 50, 373, 518, 576.
Mansfield, James K. F., brig, gen., 89.
March, Levi L., 1st sergt. co. K., 2d lieut., 67; 1st lieut., 68, 248, 802, 309, 311, 550, 583.
Marsh, Dr. M. M., agent sanitary commission, 177.
Martin, J, Hill, Esq., 5, 141.
Martin, William H,, 1st sergt. co. A, 2d lieut., 18, 241, 380, 884; Ist lieut., 889, 842;
capt., 358; maj., 868, 369; lieut. col., 370, 371, 454, 459, 464.
Martindale, John H., maj. gen., comd'g 18th corps, 305.
Mayport, Fla., capture of, 105.
Mc Arthur, John H, capt. U. 8. Cav., asst. mus. officer, 14.
McClellan, Eli., surgeon, U. 8. A., 272.
McConnell, William, capt. co. E, 44, 140, 154, 158, 247, 508.
McCoy, William B., capt. co. B, 20, 132, 475.
McGrath, John, 2d lieut. co. E, 45; 1st lieut., 46, 121, 122, 156, 187, 212, 222, 240, 248, 258
821, 883, 416, 508, 590.
Mcllvaine, Charles, capt. co. H, 4, 55, 152, 158, 587, 590.
McGregg, David M., maj. gen. cav., 818, 315, 316.
McNamee, John, 4th sergt. co. E., 2d lieut., 46, 146, 508.
Mc Williams, James, 1st sergt., pr. 2d lieut. 46, 47, 311, 888, 508.
Meade, George G., maj. gen., 293.
Mendenhall, William 8., capt. co. D, 4, 37, 280, 295, 801, 309, 311, 496, 572, 588, 590, 598.
Metcalf, Edwin, col. 3d R L Arty., 144.
Middleton, Geo. M., 1st sergt. co. I, 2d lieut., 65, 857, 548, 874, 581.
Miller, George W., assistant surgeon, .74, 182, 207, 247, 460.
Mitchel, 0. M., maj. gen. comd'g Dept. of the South, 184, 188, 140.
Monitors, Weehawken, Patapsco, Mohawk, Catskill, and gunboat Paul Jones, 167.
Moore, Rev. David W., chaplain, 205, 306, 335; farewell fetter, 886; 461, 590, 596, 597, 598
Moore, John W., col. 208d P. V., 120, 355.
Morris Island, 8. C, capture of, 160, 167.
Morris Island, 8. C, siege of Charleston, 177 to 208.
Morrison, William, assistant surgeon, 188, 158, 821, 460.
Morton, Annesley N., 2d lieut. co. I, 62, 68, 64, 548, 590.
Morton, 8ketchley, Jr., 1st lieut. co. I, 62, 68, 64, 112, 140, 548, 581.
Mulford, John £., 3d N. Y., surgeon 281.
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606 INDEX.
Muster Out, 319, 830, 872.
Myrick, John R, Ist lieut. co. E, 3d U. 8. Arty., 146, 837, 358.
Myrtle Sound, N. C, operations at, 859.
Nassau River, Fla., operations on, 231.
New Ironsides in action at Fort Wagner, 167, 168.
New Market Heights, action at, 828.
Nichols, Isaac J., sergt. co. F, pr. 1st lieut. 60, 873, 518, 576.
Nichols, Pennock J., surgeon, 869, 878, 460, 588, 590.
Nicholson, John C, sergt. co. E, pr. 1st lieut., 47, 873, 508, 574.
Odiorne, David W., corp. co. D, 41, 184; 1st sergt., 856, 857, 869, 370, 378, 497, 572.
Odiorne, Henry, Ist sergt. co. D, 41, 184; 2d lieut., 222, 240, 248, 248; 1st lieut., 803,
817, 320, 338; capt., 856, 496, 572.
Ord, E. O. C, maj. gen., comd'g 18th corps, 305, 323; comd'g Dept. of Georgia and
North Carolina, 844.
Our New Defenders, 210.
Paine, Charles J., brig, gen., comd'g 8d div., 25th corps, 339.
Paine, Lewis 8., capt. 100th N. Y., 184, 185.
Palmer, I. N., brig, gen., 364.
Paris Island occupied by detachment of regiment, 148; ballad of, 149.
Patterson, Robert, maj. gen., 18.
Peace, William, 2d lieut. co. A, 14; 1st lieut., 17, 243, 465.
Pennsylvania Reserves, 1st regiment, at White House, Va., 286.
Pennsylvania Troops in action at Fort Fisher, N. C, 351.
Pennypacker, Galusha, capt. co. A, 8, 13, 14, 16; maj., 132, 134, 154, 181, 187, 199, 205, 220,
231, 234; lieut. col., 242, 244, 246, 247, 249, 254, 255, 257, 262, 267, 270, :278, 280.
282; col., 812, 813, 815, 816; comd'g. brig., 2d div., 10th corps, 820, 328, 324, 325,
331, 837, 339, 848, 849, 850, 851, 352, 858, 855; brig, gen., U. 8. V.,.and brev.
maj. gen., U. 8. A., 356, 869, 899, 468, 566, 589, 590, 698, 596, 597.
Pennypacker, 8amuel W., Esq., 4, 400.
Petersburg Heights, capture of, 292.
Petersburg Mine, action at, 807.
Petersburg, Va., threatened by Butler's forces, 257.
Phillips, Joseph, 1st sergt. co. A, 2d lieut., 19, 873, 465, 567.
Plan of galleries and mine for explosion, 306.
Planter, rebel steamer. 111.
Pleasants, Henry, lieut. col. 48th P. V., 806.
Plympton, Josiah G., maj. 8d N. H., 170, 177.
Pocotaligo, action at, 139; capture of rebel flag marked P, 161.
Porter, David D., rear admiral, U. 8. N., 338, 340, 847, 852.
Port Royal, capture of, 93.
Port Royal Ferry, action at, 97, 246.
Port Walthal Junction, Va., action at, 253.
Potter, Robert P., brig, gen., comd'g div., 9th corps, 293.
Price, Isaiah, capt. co. C, 24, 72, 98, 112, 138, 135, 187, 212; maj., 242, 270, 278, 277, 282,
288, 291, 809, 813, 814, 321, 822, 879, 434, 459, 485, 559, 587, 588, 589, 590, 591, 592.
Proctor's Creek, Va., action at, 262.
Promotions, co. A, 17; co. B, 21; co. C, 30; co. D, 43; co. E, 47; co. F, 60; co. G, 58; co.
H, 61; CO. I, 64; co. K, 67; other promotions, 242, 243, 295, 808, 812, 820, 322, 884,
342, 856, 857, 868, 869, 875.
Purviance, Henry A., lieut. col. 85th P. V., killed in trenches, Morris Island, 195.
Putnam, Haldiman 8., col. 7th N. H., comd'g 2d brig, at Fort Wagner, 168; killed in
assault, 171. ^
Raleigh, N.C, 366, 867.
Rawlins, John A., brig, gen., chief of Gen. Grant's staff, 347.
Recapitulation of siege duty at Morris Island, 8. C, 206 ; from roster and record, 565
from tabular statement, 585.
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WDEX. 607
Recruiting Service, 877.
Reeves Point, N. C, occupied, 357.
Rhind, Alexander C, U. 8. N., comd'g detachment to explode powder boat, 840.
Richardson, Martin Van Buren, Ist lieut. 4th N. H., act. com*y of muster, 241.
Richmond, Butler's advance upon, 257.
Richmond and Petersburg Railroad, 254.
Rodman, D. C, lieut. col. 7th Conn., 166.
Roster, 873; roster and record of service, 74, 457.
RuflP, Charles P.„lieut. col. U. 8. A., 30, 68, 74.
8avage, Jonas M. C, 1st lieut. co. B, 20; capt., 22, 181, 164, 282, 236, 277, 280, 333, 475,
567, 500.
, Sawyer, Oscar G., correspondent, 265.
Saxton, Ruflis, brig, gen.. Military Governor of South Carolina, 148.
Schofield, John M., maj. gen., comd'g 28d corps, 358, 359, 364, 867.
SCott, Thomas A., Assistant Secretary of War, 55.
Seabrook, on the Edisto, encamped at, 154, 157.
Secession ville, James Island, 8. C, action at, 123, 158.
Serrill, Hon. Jacob S., State Senator, letter of, 72.
Seventy-sixth P. V., 95, 110, 139, 153, 159, 166, 177, 805.
Seymour, Truman, maj. gen., 169, 171, 286.
Shafer, Hon. William T., State Representative, letter of, 78.
Shaw, Robert G. col., 54th Mass., 170.
Sherman, Thomas W., brig, gen., comd'g Dept. of the South, 96, 107.
Sherman, William T., maj. gen., comd^g Military Div. of the Mississippi, 866, 867.
Sho waiter, Cyrus, priv. co. C, pr. corp., 3d sergt., 85; 2d lieut. 36, 486, 570.
Signal Service, officers and men transferred to, 142, 146.
Skiles, James T., corp. co. B, pr. qr.-mr. sergt., 21 ; 2d lieut., 1st lieut., 22, 212, 235, 241,
259, 317, 821, 475, 567.
Slocum, H. W., brig. gen. and Member of Congress, comd'g Army of Georgia, 867.
Smedley Isaac, Ist sergt. co. C, 2d lieut. 82, 84, 152, 155, 486.
Smedley, Theodore M., sergt. co. H, 1st lieut., capt., 61, 334, 356, 868, 374, 537, 580, 588.
Smith, Samuel D., 1st sergt. co. E, 1st lieut., capt., 47, 873, 608, 574.
Smith, W. F., maj. gen., comd'g 18th;c(frps, 254, 264, 285, 289.
Smithville, N. C, occupation of, 357.
Spanish Wells, 8. C, 118, 126, 150, 151.
Stanton, Hon. Edwin M., Secretary of War, 884, 853.
St. Augustine, Fla., capture of, 105.
St. Helena Island, 8. C, regiment at, 143 ; Christmas at, 146.
St. John, James, Sr., drum maj., 74, 85, 462, 600, 688.
St. Marj^'s River, Fla., 239.
Stevens, Isaac I., brig, gen., 96, 116.
Stevens. S. S., lieut. 6th Conn., killed at Port Wagner, 171.
Stevens' Landing, James Island, action at, 162.
Stevenson, Thomas G., brig, gen., comd'g brig., 164, 166, 156, 162, 172, 174, 196, 203.
Stone Fleet Blockade, 96.
Strawberry Plains, Va., action at, 815, 318.
Strickland, Oliver E., 2d lieut. co. F, 49, 618.
Strong, George G., brig, gen., comd'g brig., 159, 160, 166, 168, 171.
Sugar Loaf Hill, N. C, 358, 376.
Sullivan, John, sergt. co. E, 2d lieut., 47, 123, 373, 608, 674.
Sullivan, William M., 1st sergt. co. K, 1st lieut., 69, 874, 566, 688.
Swamp Angel, 186, 189.
Swift Creek, Va., action at, 265.
Taggart, George L., priv. co. A, pr. qr.-mr. sergt., 127, 320, 460, 471.
Talley, William Cooper, col., 1st Pennsylvania Reserves, 286, 328.
Taylor, Isaac B., sergt. co. D, 2d lieut., 304, 356, 378, 496, 572.
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608 INDEX.
Taylor, Thomas 8., 2d lieut. co. H, Ist lieut., 58, 59, 110.
Tenth Army Corps, operations of, 152, 248, 251, 837, 339, 345.
Terry, Alfred H., brig. gen.. 187, 152, 158, 162, 165, 201; maj. gen., 247, 257; comd'g
10th corps, 805, 324, 844, 347, 358, 364, 365. 366.
Testimonial Letter to Col. H. R. Guss, 297 ; his reply, 298.
The Captors of Fort Fisher, N. C, 423.
The Last Ditch at Wilmington, N. C, 364.
Thomas, Leonard R., corp. co. 0, qr.-mr. sergt., 2d lieut., 35 ; 1st lieut., capt., maj., 36, 320.
383, 342, 856, 370, 373, 459, 488, 570, 590. ^
Thompson, John W., 1st sergt. co. K, pr. 2d lieut., 69, 374, 556, 583.
Tilghman, Benjamin C, col. 3d U. 8. C. T., 183.
Torpedoes, 191.
Tower Battery, James Island, 8. C, 116.
Towle, George F., Ist lieut. 4th N. H., act. insp. gen., 188, 202; capt., 431, 422.
Town Creek, N. C, enemy retreat behind, 360.
Truce at Fort Wagner for burial of the dead, 175.
Turner, John W., brig, gen., 255, 264, 310, 313, 321.
Two Hundred Guns To-day, 424.
Tybee Island, operations at, 99.
Underwood, William 8., 1st sergt. co. K, 2d lieut., 1st lieut., 4, 68, 804, 857; capt., 371,
874, 556. 588, 588, 590, 591.
Veterans re-enlisted and on furlough, 241, 259; veterans of Keystone State, 872.
Visitors to regiment, 304.
Vogdes, Israel, brig, gen., 159, 162.
Voyage to Port Royal, 8. C, 98.
Waddell, William B., State Senator, capt. Grey Reserves, 25, 28.
Wainwright, John, 1st sergt. co. F, 4, 49; 2d lieut. 1st lieut. 50, 122, 238, 258, 320, 324, 826,
380, 382; capt., 334, 838, 854; maj., 356; lieut. col., 858. 868; col., 370, 871. 878.
458, 459, 517, 576, 598.
Warren, Charles, priv. co. C, corp., 2d sergt., 2d lieut, Ist lieut. 36, 378, 486, 570.
Warren, Govemeur, maj. gen., comd»g 5th corps, 278.
Warsaw Sound, Ga., operations at, 98.
Washington, D. C, 86, 87.
Watkin, Lewis H., sergt. co. H, pr. 2d lieut., killed in action, 61; 262, 280, 538, 680.
Wayne, WUliam, capt. co. K, 65, 116, 121, 122, 184, 884, 385. 555, 590, 596, 597.
Weber, Thomas E., 1st sergt. co. A, pr. 2d lieut., 17, 116, 146, 167, 465.
Weir Bottom Church, action at, 320.
Weir Bottom Church Road, action at, 267.
Weitzel, Godfrey, maj. gen., 264, 889, 828.
Weldon, N. C, 871, 872.
Wells, how constructed at camp, 90.
White, Richard, col. 55th P. V., comd'g brig., 248, 257.
Whitehead, Rev. William M., chaplain, 75, 132, 882, 456, 461.
White House, Va., 285, 286, 289.
Williams, George W., 1st lieut. co. D, 40, 142, 496.
Williams, James, 1st sergt. co. I, 2d lieut., 64, 548.
Williams, Robert, col. 1st Mass. Cav., 124, 125, 126, 181.
Wilmington, N. C, 867 ; capture of, 860 ; prisoners at, 862; 864.
Wood, Dr. J. B., commissioner to conduct election at camp of regiment, 828.
Woodstock Mills, Ga., expedition to, 284, 236, 287.
Wool, John E., maj. gen., 88.
Worthington, Dr. Wilmer, address by, 426.
Wright, Horatio Gates, brig, gen., 96, 98, 109, 128.
Yamall, Gasway O., 4th sergt., pr. 1st lieut., 54, 212, 241, 280. 808, 888, 628, 588. 590.
Yoast, Jeremiah, sergt. co. G, 2d lieut., 65, 874, 528.
Yorktown, Va., departure from, 249.
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ERRATA.
Pajre 34, line 7 from bottom, for 'M. E. Lord," read "T. E. Lord."
Pajre 34, line 21 from top, for "3d corporal," read "1st corporal."
Page 46, line 11 from top, for "near Petersburg, Va., July IG," read "at Straw-
berry Plains, Va., Aug. 16."
Page 50, line 9 from top, for "February 28," read "February 29."
Page 84, head line, for "October," read "November."
Page 93, line 3 of chapter head, for "January," read "June."
Page 98, line 22 from top, for "Boston" read "Chelsea."
Page 99, lines 10 and 30, "Gillmore," erroneously spelled "Gihnore;" same
error inadvertently repeated on pages 100, 157, 159, 160.
Page 114, line 3 from bottom, for "peninsula," read "island."
Page 115, line 16 from top, for "Maj. Gen.," read "Brig. Gen."
Page 117, line 9 from bottom, transpose comma from after to before "himself."
Page 119, line 16 from bottum, paragraph of 9 lines, was an inadvertent repe-
tition.
Page 127, line 2 from top, for "Company I," read "Company G."
Page 153, line 19 from top, for "John," read Joshua."
Page 156, head line, for "April," read "June."
Page 199, line 12 from top, for "regiment," read "regiments."
Page 254, lines 23 and 24, for "Brig. Gen.," read "Maj. Gen."
Page 288, head line, for "May," read "June."
Page 299, line 6 after chapter head, for "January," read "June."
Page 326, line 12 from top, for "R. R. Jackson," read " R. H. Jackson."
Page 352, line 8 from top, for "the real," read ''tlieir real."
Page 374, line 7 from top, for "George W. Middleton," read "George .M. .Mid-
dleton."
Page 465, line 9 from bottom, for " Jarvis," read " Jervis."
Page 500, line 10 from top, for "James E. Latta," read " Jame*^ W. Latta."
Page 510, line 23 from top, for "in skirmish near Petersburg, Va., July 16,
1864," read "in action at Strawberry Plains, Va., Aug., 16, 1864."
Page 529, line 1, for "Colloum," read "Collom."
Page 570, line 1, in tabular statement, for "Gardiner," read "Gardner."
Page 571, erroneously printed 271.
Page 590, line 18, for *' April 7," read "April 6."
Page 591, line 26, for "April 7," read "April 6."
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History of the Ninety-Seventh Regiment, Pennsylvania
Volunteer Infantry, during the War of the Rebellion,
1861-65. With Biographical Sketches of its Field and
Staff Officers, and a complete Record of each Officer and en-
listed Man. Prepared at the request of the Regiment by
Isaiah Price, D. D. S., Major 97th P. V. and Brevet Colonel
United States Volunteers. Illustrated with steel portrait
engravings and wood cuts. Philadelphia. Published by the
Author for Subscribers.
Owing to the continued depression of the general business in-
terests of the country, this work has not yet reached sufficient
sale to meet the cost of publication.
This circular is therefore issued to give it more extended no-
tice among the friends of the Regiment and others, in the hope
of adding to the list of subscribers. Price, 1^5.00 per copy.
Upon remittance by check or post-office order to include 27 cents
additional, for one half the amount of postage (54 to 58 cents),
the book will be forwarded to the address of subscribers, postage
-id.
Address ISAIAH PRICE,
I II 2 Arch Street, Philadelphia,
or West Chester, Pa.
press notices.
# « « "The work in question has just appeared, 616 pages imperial 8 vo.,
with full tables of contents, roster and record of each soldier's service, tabular
statement of mortality and casualties, and, properly concluding all, a good index.
* * * Colonel Price is a faithful and al^le historian — never diffuse, never ob-
scure, always exact and impressive by reason of the unaffected, unambitious simpli-
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That noble regiment, the 97th Pennsylvania Volunteer In-
t debt of gratitude for what he has done to perpetuate by the
h it won yf'iih fire and steel on the field." — Philadelphia
a minute account of the organization of each company, and
areer and services from the date of its formation. Colonel
med the duty assigned to him by the survivors of the 97th
well if the history of each of our regiments could be written
?HiA Evening Bulletin.
rious movements of the Regiment are described in detail and
)erations of the different commands to which it was attached
ficient explicitness, and, what is not a matter of small import-
ten in a vivacious and entertaining style that will doubtless se-
iation of many readers outside the circle for whom it is more
* * * Taking it altogether, this is one of the hand-
actory regimental histories we have seen, and it does credit to
kg it up." — Evening Telegraph.
)ne of the first regiments which Pennsylvania sent to the field
Union — and that is high praise — and the history' of its career
d recorded by the author of this work, Major Isaiah Price, of
Ls one of the field officers, in a manner so interesting and so
lesitatingly declare his history the l)est among many similar
seen. It is a full historical record of the Regiment, privates
3thing has been omitted that would properly come into the
jor Price's book is one of real value as a contribution to his-
mento to l)e highly prized by all who were connected with
It is not only creditable for its fullness and evident accuracy,
are noticeable, and it contains seven elegant full page steel jxjr-
excellent wood engravings which illustrate the narrative."
ciAL, Wilmington, Delaware.
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State of New Jersey,
Office of Adjutant General,
Trenton, Oct. 4th, 1 880.
ETfeAR Colonel:
I have read with the greatest interest your account of
97th Pennsylvania in South Carolina ! and I cannot put aside
book after four hours* reading this evening without writing
a line to express my admiration of the style, the full data
the correct facts you have given in the work.
As I was on the Commanding General's Staff during
Morris Island campaign your pictures of the toil, the fighti]
the sufferings on that sandy waste bring everything back to
with a freshness no other narrative thereof has ever done bef
I thank you very much for the volume and I thank you n
for placing on record the labors of those brave men in the i
Corps.
I think loyal people fail to fully appreciate them and I
history will never give them their just due. But such work
yours will go far toward putting the services of these mer
their true light.
I am, yours very truly
WILLIAM S. STRYKER,
Bvt. Maj. Gen. and Adjutant General of New Jersey
CoL. Isaiah Price,
1 1 12 Arch St., Phila.
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